Reports suggest Arsenal are considering a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. He is valued at £61m, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad.
Arsenal join race for Brighton star
Arsenal are reportedly stepping into the race for Brighton’s in-demand midfielder Carlos Baleba. The player has been a revelation since joining from Lille for around £25.5m. He has quickly cemented his place in Fabian Hurzeler’s side.
He has the combination of tactical discipline, raw power and calmness on the ball. That has made him one of the rising stars of the EPL. A number of top English clubs are taking an interest.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are believed to have opened talks already. The Red Devils had an initial head start but Arsenal’s interest has grown. They are closely monitoring the situation as well.
Baleba’s form last season speaks for itself. In 34 league matches, he had 3 goals and a huge impact in Brighton’s eighth-placed finish. The player is on a long-term contract on the south coast.
That means the Seagulls will only consider a hefty offer. Reportedly, a £60m would be a starting point. However, some believe the price could go beyond £100m given his potential.
Perfect fit for Arteta’s midfield plans
As far as Mikel Arteta is concerned, Baleba is an opportunity to add depth and flexibility to Arsenal’s engine room. So, Baleba could easily fit in to control the game or as a box-to-box player based on the game.
The player could be keen on the prospect of signing for a top club. The **Gunners**are chasing their first major trophy in over five years. Ultimately, every player has a price, and for a player of Baleba’s quality that could be a statement signing.
The coming weeks will be interesting to watch in this summer window. Arsenal fans will be eager to see if the club can secure one of the league’s brightest young talents.
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