Arsenal star relegated to plan B, as Brighton table fresh bid for Man Utd, Liverpool-linked midfielder

Brighton have lodged a new and improved bid for a Manchester United and Liverpool-linked midfielder, with Fabrizio Romano confirming an Arsenal star is their plan B.

The Seagulls remain on the hunt for a direct replacement for Moises Caicedo. The Ecuador international joined Chelsea in a British record £115m deal a fortnight ago.

Brighton are no stranger to seeing their finest assets plucked from their grasp. But with a Europa League campaign to contend with, Roberto De Zerbi cannot afford to be light on numbers.

Brighton have already tabled an unsuccessful bid for Lille’s 19-year-old midfielder, Carlos Baleba.

Per 90min, the teenager has also been watched by Liverpool and Man Utd, though it’s Brighton who’ve acted on their interest.

90min also claimed talks had opened regarding a loan deal for Arsenal misfit, Albert Sambi Lokonga. The Belgian is way down the pecking order at the Emirates and will be allowed to leave before the window closes at 11pm on September 1.

But according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, it’s likely to be one or the other – not both – for Brighton.

What’s more, Baleba has emerged as the undisputed No 1 choice and a fresh bid has been tabled.

The exact amount put to Lille wasn’t disclosed, though it will be higher than their initial £17m (add-ons included) attempt from 10 days ago.

Romano stressed the deal “remains on”, while 90min previously claimed agreeing personal terms won’t be an issue. Romano concluded Brighton are expecting Lille to make a decision one way or the other “soon”.

In the event Baleba eludes the Seagulls, Lokonga was confirmed to be the back-up plan.

However, Romano insisted it’s Baleba who has and will continue to take priority for the time being.

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