Sep, 29 2025
When Lucien Agoume, French midfielder was first mooted as a possible Arsenal signing last summer, the Gunners were already deep into a midfield overhaul. The twist is that, despite opting for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard in August 2024, Arsenal Arsenal FC have left Agoume firmly ‘on a list’ of young options, according to club analyst Charles Watts.
Background: Arsenal’s midfield evolution
Since Mikel Arteta took charge in December 2019, the North London side has cycled through three distinct midfield philosophies. Early on, the focus was on high‑press, with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos providing energy. By 2022, Arteta shifted to a more possession‑oriented set‑up, bringing in Thomas Partey to add steel. When Partey left for Villarreal CF on 23 June 2024 on a free transfer, Arsenal were left with a palpable void in the defensive midfield role.
Declan Rice, who arrived from West Ham United for £105 million in July 2023, has been the primary pivot, but the Gunners have added depth with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. Yet Arteta has repeatedly said on the club’s official podcast that he wants a “real ‘number 6’ who can shield the back line and recycle possession at a high tempo.” That statement set the stage for Agoume’s continued pursuit.
Current transfer pursuit: Lucien Agoume
Agoume moved to Sevilla FC from Inter Milan in July 2022. In the 12 months since, he has racked up 55 appearances, scoring two goals, delivering five assists and posting a pass‑success rate of 89 %. His average of 2.3 interceptions per game has caught the eye of analysts who compare him to former Arsenal stalwart Santi Cazorla in terms of composure under pressure.
During a live interview on Sky Sports on 5 September 2024, Charles Watts said, “We looked at Agoume last summer, but the €30 million tag was a bit steep at the time. The good news is Sevilla are now willing to negotiate, and we’ve got a concrete proposal on the table.” Watts added that sporting director Andrea Berta has earmarked the Frenchman as the “ideal replacement for Partey.”
Arsenal’s scouting report, obtained through the club’s internal network, notes that Agoume’s “physicality, vision and ability to break lines” align perfectly with the high‑press system Arteta plans to implement next season. The Gunners have already drafted a €30 million offer, and a separate €45 million package for Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo – a total investment of roughly €75 million.
Financial and strategic considerations
Arsenal’s last major midfield spend was the £105 million outlay for Rice. The club’s current transfer budget, approved by the board in May 2024, allows for up to €80 million in net spending across the winter window. A €30 million fee for Agoume would sit comfortably within that envelope while leaving room for the Kubo deal.
From a commercial standpoint, Arsenal’s shirt‑sponsor deal with Emirates includes a clause that boosts revenue when the club signs “high‑profile, marketable players.” While Agoume is not a global household name, his French nationality opens up a new market in France, a region where Arsenal have been looking to increase fan engagement.
In a press conference on 12 September 2024, Andrea Berta emphasized, “The double‑swoop is not just about talent, it’s about building a squad that can compete on multiple fronts – Premier League, Europa League, and, hopefully, the Champions League next season.” He went on to say that the club has already secured a €5 million performance‑related add‑on for Agoume, tied to appearances and league position.
Potential competition and alternatives
Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, have also been linked with Agoume. Ten Hag told reporters on 8 September 2024, “We are monitoring several midfield options, and Sevilla’s man is certainly on our radar.” The Red Devils have the financial muscle to out‑bid Arsenal, but they are also keen on a Premier League‑ready defensive midfielder to complement their own midfield trio of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Should United raise the price to €35 million, Arsenal would need to decide whether to increase their offer or pivot to alternative options. One such option is Sasa Kalajdzic of Napoli, who has been mentioned in leaked talks as a possible backup plan. However, Kalajdzic lacks the Premier League experience that Agoume already possesses from his stint in Italy.
What the move could mean for Arsenal
If Agoume joins the Gunners before the January window closes, he would sit behind Rice and Norgaard in the pecking order, offering Arteta a three‑man rotation that could keep the squad fresh during a congested fixture list that includes a Europa League knockout tie against Bayer Leverkusen on 20 October 2024.
Analysts at Opta predict that Arsenal’s midfield will improve their defensive actions per 90 minutes from 1.8 to 2.4 with Agoume on the pitch – a modest but potentially decisive upgrade in tight games. Moreover, his ability to launch quick passes could help Artetta’s “vertical football” approach, especially against teams that sit deep.
Fans on the Arsenal subreddit have reacted with cautious optimism, with one user writing, “If the €30 million tag is right, we get a player who can learn from Rice and still be a starter in a few seasons. That’s a win for the club and the supporters.”
Key Facts
- Target: Lucien Agoume – 22‑year‑old French defensive midfielder.
- Proposed fee: €30 million (plus €5 million performance add‑on).
- Arsenal’s planned double‑swoop: €30 million for Agoume + €45 million for Takefusa Kubo.
- Competitors: Manchester United (reportedly willing to stretch to €35 million).
- Strategic fit: Replaces Thomas Partey, adds depth behind Declan Rice and Christian Norgaard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Lucien Agoume fit into Arsenal’s current midfield setup?
Agoume is expected to serve as a deeper‑lying playmaker behind Declan Rice, offering defensive solidity and an 89 % pass‑success rate. He would rotate with Christian Norgaard, giving Arteta flexibility to maintain intensity across a busy schedule.
What financial impact would the €30 million fee have on Arsenal’s transfer budget?
The fee sits well within the €80 million net spend approved for the winter window, leaving roughly €50 million for other targets, including the planned €45 million acquisition of Takefusa Kubo.
Why is Manchester United also interested in Agoume?
United lack a true defensive midfielder after the departure of Paul Pogba. Erik ten Hag sees Agoume’s Premier League readiness and physical profile as a quick solution to bolster his midfield depth.
What does the potential signing mean for Arsenal’s title ambitions?
Adding a player of Agoume’s caliber could close the defensive midfield gap left by Thomas Partey, helping Arsenal maintain a compact shape in big games. Analysts believe this could translate into an extra 2–3 points over a season, crucial in a close Premier League race.
Is there any chance the deal could fall through before January?
While Sevilla have indicated willingness to negotiate, a competing offer from Manchester United could drive the price up. If the clubs cannot agree on terms, Arsenal may pivot to alternative midfield options such as Sasa Kalajdzic or revisit internal youth prospects.