Yves Bissouma 'set to join Premier League club' after Chelsea talks

Yves Bissouma is likely to join a Premier League club in the coming weeks after holding talks with multiple clubs including Chelsea. The 30-year-old is a free agent after leaving Tottenham in June, having played over 100 games for the club since he joined from Brighton in 2022. Among the clubs approached over his situation are Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and most notably Chelsea, but none have progressed with a move for the Mali international. Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that a Premier League club could take a "gamble" on Bissouma, despite no offers having materialised. Following the end of the transfer window, any clubs still seeking midfield reinforcements could move to themp the former Brighton star into a return to English football. Meanwhile, a number of Italian, Turkish and Saudi Pro League clubs are believed to be keeping tabs on Bissouma's situation, but staying in the Premier League would be ideal. Could Chelsea make a move to sign Yves Bissouma? Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Chelsea are not planning to sign Bissouma and will only make a move if they suffer an injury crisis in Xabi Alonso's midfield. Bissouma's camp are believed to have made contact with the Blues after Enzo Fernandez joined Man City on deadline day, but the move has not progressed further. A number of Premier League clubs are believed to have considered the situation, and could be tempted to make a move as he is keen to stay in England. "I'm surprised nobody has made a move for Yves Bissouma yet," Brown told Football Insider. "He had a difficult end to life at Tottenham, it seemed none of the managers they brought in fancied him, but that doesn't change the fact he is still a good player. "He looked terrific when he was at Brighton, and things have gone a bit down hill for him since then, but he's got talent and a lot of experience in the Premier League. "So I don't doubt there will be a team who are willing to take a gamble on signing him, and let me be clear, it is a bit of a gamble because of his fitness. "Bissouma wants to stay in the Premier League, that's why there have been talks with these different clubs including Chelsea. "So if any club wants to make a move for him, they would have a good chance even if there is maybe interest from clubs in other countries as well." Sources: Chelsea make Yves Bissouma transfer decision Chelsea to 'reignite Alex Scott move' in January after transfer mission Which other midfielders are on Chelsea's radar? After being contacted over a move to sign Bissouma, questions have been asked about what the long-term plans are for the Chelsea midfilder under Alonso. Losing Fernandez without a replacement on deadline day came as a significant blow to the squad, but alternatives are already being considered behind the scenes. Brown told Football Insider on 7 September that Chelsea are planning to reignite their interest in Bournemouth star Alex Scott when the January transfer window opens. The Blues side saw multiple offers rejected for the 23-year-old, including a late bid on deadline day which was immediately blocked by Bournemouth. While there is still plenty of water to pass under the bridge between now and January, the Blues are eyeing the England international as their top target in 2027.