Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister reportedly “wants to leave” the club this summer amid interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
The 24-year-old’s reputation has gone through the roof in recent months. He was one of the standout players at the World Cup as he helped Argentina win the tournament for the third time.
Mac Allister is also enjoying his best season to date in a Brighton shirt. He has been involved in 11 goals in 26 outings for the Premier League side this term.
His form has fuelled talk that he could leave Brighton when the transfer window opens up again later this year. He is understood to be valued at around £60m with his contract not up until 2025.
Graeme Bailey has told TEAMtalk that Mac Allister has “a lot of hurdles to overcome” to get a move away from Brighton.
“Alexis Mac Allister wants to leave Brighton this summer. But he has a lot of hurdles to overcome before he can get out of the AMEX,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.
“Mac Allister signed a new long-term deal just before Argentina’s World Cup campaign, which saw him excel. And it is no real shock to learn that the interest in him is strong with many clubs around Europe keen.
“However, Brighton as it stands are in no mood to sell – given that he only signed his new deal earlier in the season.”
Bailey added: “As we saw with their stance over Moises Caicedo, they stood firm in January and if they decide not to sell they won’t – although could something like that go on for the whole of the summer, am not so sure.”
‘A major factor’ could be Brighton’s final position in the Premier League this season. Bailey indicated that a top-seven finish could “quell his want to leave”.
“I am told Brighton’s finishing position could help dictate this, in that if they finish in Europe – that may quell his want to leave,” Bailey continued.
“But even that may not be enough to convince him not to seek a move especially if the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham come calling…which they might.”
Speaking earlier this month, Mac Allister admitted that he would “like his next step to be in the Premier League”.
“The truth is I don’t have a team in particular where I say they suit my way of playing,” Mac Allister said.
“I think that here in the Premier League there are very strong teams, teams who play very well, like Manchester City and Arsenal.
“Chelsea, I had (Graham) Potter and I know more or less the idea he has for playing football.
“Manchester United are returning a bit to what they were and Liverpool are having ups and downs but have still got a very important team and coach.
“If you ask me, I’d like my next step to be in the Premier League. But the truth is, as I said before, I am very focused here in Brighton and enjoying the present.”
