Arsenal in for Brighton double swoop

Arsenal have emerged as interested suitors for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports.

The 20-year-old is one of the Seagulls’ key players, featuring in 10 appearances so far and nine starts. Brighton has only suffered one defeat in those matches that he made the starting XI, a September game against Chelsea in which Baleba scored and assisted.

He has continued to make his mark with an assist in the match against Crawley Town and a goal in the League Cup game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, meaning he has now four goal contributions.

TalkSport report that Arsenal along with Tottenham and Liverpool are monitoring the youngster. Journalist Alex Crook wrote that: “Brighton have made a habit of signing players for relatively modest fees and selling them on for mega money, and midfielder Carlos Baleba is the latest Seagulls star who could turn owner Tony Bloom a huge profit.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

“Baleba took a little while to get going after his £23m move from French club Lille in the summer of 2023, but has earned rave reviews with his stellar performances this season.”

Arsenal could well make a move for the Cameroonian as a replacement for Thomas Partey, whose future is unclear at the Emirates. But as well as Baleba they could move for his teammate Evan Ferguson. The Gunners have been linked to the Ireland international for a considerable period as they try and find a new No.9.

Hurzeler on Ferguson

Ferguson’s form has tried up recently but Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler knows that Ferguson still has massive potential despite his recent difficulties.

The Irish striker burst onto the scene in 2022/23 and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting up-and-coming players. The teenager starred for Brighton and netted six goals in 19 league appearances.

However, the subsequent campaign proved much less successful. Though he matched his output of six goals, he did so needing quite a few more games and he wasn’t as convincing as in the previous season.

Previously touted for a €100 million transfer, FootballTransfers learnt in January that Man Utd and Chelsea had made loan offers for the youngster, while Arsenal and Man City held an interest in the summer.

According to his new boss Fabian Hurzeler, Ferguson has nothing to prove despite his recent struggles. “He doesn’t have to show me what he can do, because I already know his potential,” the tactician said.

“I’ve seen a lot of games in the past for Brighton. He is a great finisher in the box. He has the whole package for a striker, so for me, it’s important that he integrates in our style of play, that he follows our principles.

“He doesn’t have to prove anything to me. He should do his work on the pitch, in possession, out of possession. He should help the team and then he will have a great impact on our game for sure.”