"I'm told..." - Romano claims Arsenal and Chelsea target would "love" to move as "big fight" expected

Fabrizio Romano claimed Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, who has been linked to Arsenal and Chelsea, is keen on a summer transfer.

For much of the January window Arsenal were pursuing Brighton star Moises Caicedo, with the league leaders having even submitted two bids worth up to £70million for the Ecuadorian midfielder.

It appears the Gunners have now turned their attention to Caicedo's Brighton team-mate Mac Allister.

Indeed, The Daily Star claimed last week that the Mikel Arteta's side were competing with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to secure the services of the Argentina international next summer, with the player allegedly valued at around £70million.

And transfer guru Romano has now provided an update on the situation.

Romano on Mac Allister

Romano claimed that Mac Allister is eager to leave Brighton for a “top club” in the summer, while adding that the Seagulls had not yet decided on a price for the World Cup winner.

Speaking to CaughtOffside Romano said: “At the moment City are in the Bellingham race, nothing to report on Alexis Mac Allister.

“I’m told he has chances to leave in the summer as he’d love a top club move, but Brighton guarantee they’ve not fixed a price tag yet and I guess it’s going to be another big fight to sign Brighton star in the summer.”

Indeed, Mac Allister was a key part of Argentina’s triumphant World Cup-winning side, even claiming an assist for Angel Di Maria in the final.

The 24-year-old’s outstanding display in a thrilling final against France showcased the Brighton star’s temperament for the big occasion.

Speaking last month, however, Mac Allister insisted he was happy on the south coast.

The Argentine told the Athletic: “I’m focused on Brighton.

“They know how grateful I am to the club and I’m not in any rush to leave.

“It will be an important achievement if we can get into Europe. We know that it’s hard in maybe the toughest league in the world. But we’ve got a very good team and very good players. So we will try to do it.”

Topics: Football, Transfers, Alexis Mac Allister, Brighton And Hove Albion, Arsenal, Chelsea, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.