Arsenal Ready To Rival Liverpool In Pursuit Of Senegalese International: A Move They Need To Make? | OneFootball

According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are among clubs interested in Pape Cisse. The Gunners had sent out scouts to keep a close eye on the Olympiacos defender in the UEFA Europa League. However, the club faces strong competition from Premier League rivals, including Everton and Liverpool, who are reportedly leading the chase for the Senegalese international.

Who Is Pape Abou Cisse?

A native of Pikine in Senegal, Pape Abou Cisse had made his European breakthrough at AC Ajaccio before joining Olympiacos. In Athens, he established himself as one of the top defenders in the Greek top flight, becoming a leader in the club’s backline, notably winning the Championship and the Cup in the last calendar year.

A centre-back by trade, Cisse has made for himself with his defensive work ethic and a dogged discipline that make him an imposing presence at the back. Standing at a whopping 1.98m, the Senegalese international is often one of the tallest players around, with his height giving him a considerable advantage in physical and aerial duels.

In addition to his defensive prowess, the 26-year-old offers significant experience in European football. He has made over 100 appearances for Olympiacos, with frequent appearances in Champions League and Europa League, thus making him quite an attractive prospect in the market.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Pape Abou Cisse of Olympiacos FC celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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Is He A Wise Option For Arsenal?

Arsenal‘s pursuit of a new defender is hardly surprising as the club is going through a major squad makeover. In the summer, the Gunners brought Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu in defence, and given the two’s success so far, Mikel Arteta will be keen on acquiring more players.

Pape Cisse, to that end, could be a sensible option. The Senegalese international doesn’t have too much experience of playing at a level of football like the Premier League, but he has had a lot of success at Olympiacos.

More importantly, Cisse has the physique to thrive in the physically astute nature of English football. As such, he could be an ideal upgrade over someone like Rob Holding, who faces an uncertain future at the club, along with Calum Chambers.

Therefore, the Gunners should do everything they can to secure a deal for Pape Cisse, who is unlikely to cost a fortune either, despite having a contract with Olympiacos that expires in 2024.