Arsenal are on the look for Brighton star as part of midfield reinforcement

Arsenal are monitoring Brighton midfielder as they look to strengthen their midfield next summer.

Arsenal are actively exploring the transfer market as they look to strengthen their midfield and recent reports have identified Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as their main target.

The 20-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs following his impressive performances in England.

Baleba moved from Lille to Brighton for £23 million in August 2023. In his debut season, he appeared in 37 games in all competitions and showed a dynamic presence as a midfielder. He added to his tally this season with two goals in his first eight games under new Brighton manager Fabian Herzeler.

Meanwhile, Brighton could soon face a battle to keep hold of their young star. According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have been tracking him for a long time and Liverpool and Tottenham are also said to be interested.

However, Brighton are financially secure after a record Premier League transfer season and are under reduced pressure to sell key players. Last year they sold Moises Caicedo, Alexis McAllister, and Robert Sánchez for the total sum of £158m, giving the club a financial stronghold.

Brighton has a business model that prioritizes attracting less noticed talent and selling them for a significant profit. Baleba’s contract, which runs until 2028, gives Brighton room to negotiate, but that doesn’t rule him out entirely.

Baleba’s growing reputation has made him a key player under Hurzeler. He recently praised the young Cameroonian’s progress and adaptation to Brighton’s style.

“I think he’s a great player, he’s developing and improving fast, adapting to our ideas very quickly,” Hurzeler commented. 

“There’s so much potential in him, and he understands the game well. My staff and I work closely with him every day to help him reach his full potential.”