De Zerbi all but confirms Liverpool and Arsenal will sign incredible Brighton duo, but third star won’t be joining Man Utd
Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi has effectively confirmed that two of his best players will be joining Liverpool and Arsenal, although a third partner in crime for the Seagulls looks set to snub Manchester United.
Brighton were at it again on Sunday, completing an impressive 3-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates. The win added to their list of scalps as they have already beaten Man Utd twice this season, as well as emerging victorious against Liverpool and Chelsea.
Brighton’s triumph in North London left Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes in ruin, while also boosting their own chase for European qualification. De Zerbi’s side sit sixth in the table as things stand, meaning there is a good chance they will be playing Europa League football next term.
As the south coast outfit are doing so well, it is no surprise that England’s biggest teams are eyeing up some of their best players.
Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, Evan Ferguson, Kaoru Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan have all been linked with big-money moves away from the Amex.
Following the win at Arsenal, De Zerbi effectively confirmed midfielders Mac Allister and Caicedo will be departing. Mac Allister is wanted most by Liverpool, while Caicedo is likely to join Arsenal.
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However, winger Kaoru Mitoma, who has enjoyed an exceptional first season in English football, will be rejecting Man Utd in order to stay at Brighton.
“For sure we will lose some players, maybe Caicedo and Mac Allister,” De Zerbi said on Sky Sports.
De Zerbi urges Brighton to be ‘ready’ to replace stars
“We have to be ready to bring in more good players and for the others; Mitoma, Estupinan, I think for them the best solution is to stay with us.
“I don’t know if they are ready to play in the big teams. You have to arrive ready in the head. We can offer them the possibility to progress and to improve.”
While Mac Allister seems destined to move to Anfield, there is some debate over how much he may cost Liverpool. Brighton were initially holding out for £70m, though their asking price seems to have dropped.
There has been talk Liverpool could actually sign him for £53m, or for just £40m if they send backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher in the opposite direction.
Caicedo, meanwhile, is one of Arsenal’s top targets to improve their midfield ahead of next season. Chelsea have also been monitoring him, but it is unlikely the Ecuadorian would go to Stamford Bridge following the Blues’ poor season.
Mac Allister and Caicedo leaving Brighton would obviously be a huge setback. However, they are already identifying possible replacements.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the Seagulls are expected to bring in Watford ace Joao Pedro, Liverpool veteran James Milner and Mahmoud Dahoud, who will soon leave Dortmund as a free agent.
Plus, Brighton already have the next wave of young stars coming through. The list includes Ferguson, Enciso and Facundo Buonanotte.
