All the latest transfer news and gossip for Brighton and Hove Albion and across the Premier League
Chelsea are keen to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck but the Seagulls may already have their replacement in situ.
Welbeck, 35, was a key man for Fabian Hurzeler Albion last season with 13 Premier League goals but the Seagulls are reportedly willing to let him move to the Bridge.
His potential exit is huge concern for Brighton fans and the news has not gone down well at all with the supporters.
Chelsea have a habit of poaching Brighton's best players with Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Rob Sanchez and Joao Pedro all recently making the switch to west London.
Welbeck's potential exit would leave a gaping hole in Brighton's attack but do they have a young talent ready to step-up?... possibly!
Charalampos Kostoulas
Brighton striker Charalampos Kostoulas in pre-season actionplaceholder image
Brighton striker Charalampos Kostoulas in pre-season action | BHAFC
Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas was brought in last summer for around £30m from Olympiacos .
He started just twice in the Premier League last term but made 21 appearances in total, with 353 minutes of top flight action. Kostoulas scored twice with one assist.
The 19-year-old also had three EFL Cup outings and featured twice in the FA Cup.
The Greece international does not lack in confidence and has shown glimpses of his potential during his time at Brighton and has started this pre-season well.
A huge ask to replace Welbeck
He netted twice in Albion's 4-1 win against Wycombe Wanderers and has been pictured looking sharp during their camp in Austria.
It will be a huge ask for Kostoulas to be a regular in the Premier League but Brighton paid big money for the Greek and at some stage they have to step-up take their chance.
He has experienced the atmosphere and intensity of the English top flight and Brighton may now feel he is physically ready to perform consistently at the highest level.
Brighton have proved in the past that they are capable of replacing their top players. Welbeck's exit looks to be a huge issue for Hurzeler but it could also create a pathway for the likes of Kostoulas.
Georginio, Tzimas and Ferguson struggles
The Seagulls will also hope for a better campaign from their £40m man Georginio. The ex-Leeds United man struggled last term to reach his best form with just three Premier League goals to his name.
Georginio didn’t look convincing last year especially when he was asked to play further forward as the lead attacker. He is more comfortable as the No 10 and that could be a concern if Welbeck does go.
Stefanos Tzimas will also hope to be available in the early part of the season. The 20-year-old, who joined for around £21m from FC Nürnberg in 2024, sustained an ACL injury last season and continues his recovery.
Tzimas is said to be back training but is unlikely to be fit for the start of the new campaign.
The same applies to Evan Ferguson, who was on loan at Roma last term. The Ireland international striker underwent ankle surgery and continues his recovery to full fitness.
Ferguson is yet to be seen in pre-season for Brighton and his future at the club remains uncertain at the stage.
Sussex World verdict
Losing Welbeck is a blow, especially as Brighton start their Conference League and Premier League campaigns in just over 20 days time. Albion may dip into the transfer market (Chelsea's Liam Delap anyone?) but the door is definitely wide open for Kostoulas. Is the young and talented Greek ready for a breakthrough season?