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Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister is reportedly «wanting to make an early move» in the summer and Liverpool are «more likely» to sign him than Moises Caicedo.
Mac Allister has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season and also shone for Argentina last year by helping them win the World Cup.
His form should earn him a big transfer from Brighton this summer. It will be a major blow for the Seagulls, who are on course for qualification for the Europa League.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Liverpool are «leading the hunt for Mac Allister, which could cost up to £70 million.
Mac Allister isn’t the only Brighton player who could leave the club before next season. Moises Caicedo is arousing interest elsewhere as well.
The midfielder was chased by Arsenal and Chelsea in January. It has now been reported that Mikel Arteta’s team ‘remain interested’ in the Ecuadorian national team.
Arteta is said to be «obsessed» with Caicedo e he apparently wants Arsenal to acquire him «at all costs».
Ben Jacobs reports Caicedo «could still end up at Arsenal» but Declan Rice is their «main target».
«The last thing Brighton want is to lose Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister if they have the Europa League,» wrote Jacobs for Caught Offside.
‘There is great interest in both players. Mac Allister wants to move soon. He is at the top of Liverpool’s list and Manchester United appreciate him too. Caicedo could still end up at Arsenal, although West Ham’s Declan Rice remains the best target in defensive midfield.’
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Jacobs adds that it could become «even more difficult» for Arsenal «to seal a deal with Brighton» for Caicedo «if Mac Allister starts first».
«Brighton has never listed Caicedo directly. That’s not how they work when they don’t want to commit or sell,” Jacobs added.
‘Summer may be different and more importantly it’s a longer window. Caicedo would be perfect for Arsenal, but nailing a deal with Brighton won’t be easy – and could be even more difficult, or at least drawn out, if Mac Allister goes first. The Seagulls are still all in control because of how they handled their star names.
“There are also other Premier League clubs who are looking to Caicedo. Of course, Chelsea also made an offer in January. They will take another midfielder, but that will now depend on the input of the new coach, most likely Pochettino.
Liverpool have a long-standing interest in Caciedo, dating back to the days of Independiente del Valle. But they never bid in January and Mac Allister is more likely at this stage.’
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