According to TyC Sports journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Arsenal are planning a summer move for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The north London club is looking to strengthen their squad in order to compete on all fronts next season, and Mikel Arteta appears to prioritize bolstering the engine room.
Arsenal have been linked with a number of midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, with Declan Rice being named as their main target, but it appears Mac Allister is also on Arteta’s wish list.
Luis Merlo reported on Twitter that Arsenal are showing a ‘concrete’ interest in signing the Argentine international, and that talks have already begun with two potential suitors.
However, the journalist believes that signing Mac Allister will be difficult for the north London club, as Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in the midfielder.
Luis Merlo stated:
“Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal are all interested in signing Alexis MacAllister in the upcoming transfer window.” Two of those clubs are already in talks with the Brighton player.
His father and agent are in England, keeping an eye on the situation.”
Mac Allister’s current contract expires in less than two years, putting Brighton in a strong position to demand a large fee if they are forced to let their star man leave this summer. Furthermore, it has previously been reported that the Seagulls want at least £70 million for the Argentine.
The Brighton star has been displaying brilliant performances over the last few months, playing a pivotal role in Roberto de Zerbi’s side’s top-four race this term and was an integral part of Argentina’s first eleven that won the World Cup last year.
Mac Allister can play anywhere in the midfield; he is technically sound, can link up play from defense to attack, is excellent at delivering set-pieces, can create chances for forward players, and has a keen eye for goal.
So, if Arsenal can entice him away from the AMEX Stadium at the end of the season, the 24-year-old would be a huge coup.
However, because Brighton likes to play hardball in order to sell their assets, Arteta’s side will find it difficult to secure Mac Allister’s services if they decide to make a move for him at the end of the season.
