Tolisso reveals Prem transfer desire and bullish statement of intent, as Man Utd and Arsenal eye raid

Corentin Tolisso has revealed that he will soon be back in his best form as Manchester United and Arsenal consider a transfer swoop.

The Frenchman moved to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2017 with great promise. He had made his France debut in his final season at Lyon. But following a strong debut season in Germany, injury issues have continued to plague him.

Indeed, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury in September 2018. After returning in 2019/20 with a bit-part role, he underwent ankle surgery during the first coronavirus lockdown. Tolisso therefore missed the end of that campaign but has had further bad luck.

The last two seasons have brought about further thigh and calf issues for Tolisso. As a result, Bayern decided not to offer him a new contract and ended his current deal at the end of May.

Tolisso is therefore a free agent and reports this week have brought Man Utd and Arsenal into the transfer equation.

Speaking to L’Equipe, the 28-cap France international insisted that he is looking to return to peak fitness this summer with a view to restarting his career at his next club.

In fact, the 27-year-old admitted that he would consider an opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League.

“I would be interested in England, with its intensity, but I’m not ruling out any league,” Tolisso said.

“I am convinced that [my issues] are more psychological than physical.

“It’s more in my head than with my body. I worked with a mental coach to put words to what I was going through.

“Now, I’m 5,000% convinced I can get back to a very high level physically. I’m going to do a one-month training period so that I’m ready for the start of next season.”

Tolisso wants career resurgence

Tolisso picked up five Bundesliga winners’ medals and enjoyed the 2020 Champions League triumph at Bayern. He was also part of France’s 2018 World Cup success, playing in four of their seven matches.

As such, the midfielder wants to get back to those levels and feels confident he has not lost his talent.

“I want to go play a major role in a club. To continue winning trophies,” he said.

“I know what I’m capable of. I know to what point a change in my life and in my surroundings will do me good.”

Man Utd, Arsenal opportunity but caution key

Man Utd and Arsenal are both reportedly looking at a midfield signing this summer. United are losing Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata so there is room for a new signing in that area.

The Gunners, meanwhile, have tied Mohamed Elneny to a new short-term deal. However, there is also doubt over Granit Xhaka’s long-term future.

However, United and Arsenal must be wary of advancing their interest in Tolisso.

While he is approaching the prime of his career, he is doing so having been plagued by several injury issues.

As such, the key for him next season is to get through the campaign unscathed and prove his long-term fitness. He is convinced that he can return to peak form next season, but he must first focus on the basics.