Report: Arsenal, Southampton and Leicester target FC Basel starlet 

Manchester City v FC Basel - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
Manchester City v FC Basel - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg

What's the rumour?

According to a report by ESPN, Premier League trio Arsenal, Southampton and Leicester City are weighing up moves for FC Basel star Mohamed Eyounoussi in the summer.

In case you didn't know...

Mohamed Elyounoussi has impressed for Basel in the Swiss Super League and has caught the eye of English clubs. The 23 year-old could be set for a move to the top flight with Arsenal, Leicester City and Southampton reportedly linked with the forward. The Norwegian international has 14 caps for his country and is seen as one of their brightest young talents.

He started his career at Sarpsborg before moving to Molde in 2014. After an impressive couple of seasons for them, he was snapped up by Basel in July 2016 and signed a four-year deal. He helped Basel win the league title and the Swiss Cup in his first full season at the club and became a fans' favourite.

The heart of the matter

Elyounoussi has established himself in Switzerland with Basel and will want a new challenge in his career. A move to the Premier League would be a real step up for him but one which would enable him to get his name out there. Leicester City may see him as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who will no doubt be linked with a move away again in the summer.

Arsenal, on the other hand, will surely turn Elyounoussi's head but with their managerial situation still uncertain, it will be interesting to see what comes from these rumours. Finally Southampton are known to scout some top quality talents in Europe so it could be a real possibility that they are showing keen interest. However, they will have to stay up in the Premier League this season before contemplating a move for the youngster.

Rumour probability: 8/10

This is a rumour that has legs and there will genuinly be many clubs watching Elyounoussi at this moment in time.

Author's take

Having watched Elyounoussi on a couple of occasions in this campaign, it is clear that he has real quality and flair. This means that he would be a very exciting addition to the Premier League and a very good coup by a top flight team.

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