Liverpool edge Arsenal in race for Alexis Mac Allister amid Gunners' "soured" relationship

Liverpool are ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Alexis Mac Allister after the north Londoners "soured" their relationship with Brighton, according to reports.

Mac Allister will reportedly decide his future at the end of the season amid claims that Liverpool have placed the player on their list of potential summer recruits.

The World Cup winner, who was described as unbelievable by former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, has been tipped to leave Brighton at the end of the season and Jurgen Klopp is thought to be an admirer of the midfielder.

Indeed, on the matter transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said earlier this week: “Liverpool have presented their project and also a financial proposal to Alexis Mac Allister. The club will insist in the next weeks; discussions advancing but the agreement is not done yet.

“Feeling remains Alexis will 100% leave Brighton and it will be early, May or June.”

Mac Allister, who has netted nine times in his 29 Premier League appearances this term, is also thought to be of interest to both Manchester United and Arsenal.

Brighton and Arsenal’s "soured" relationship

Various publications have linked Arsenal with a summer pursuit of Mac Allister, with the club looking to add to their midfield in the off-season.

While Declan Rice is said to be Arsenal’s priority target, Mac Allister is among the names mentioned as an alternative to the England international

However, Arteta may struggle to acquire the Argentina star after the club reportedly damaged their relationship with Brighton in the January transfer window.

In the winter window, Brighton were allegedly unimpressed by Arsenal's conduct as Arteta’s side tried to sign Mac Allister’s team-mate Moises Caicedo.

After Brighton rejected an opening offer of £60million for the player, Arsenal were informed that there was no chance of a deal being agreed upon and told to “back off”.

However, the Gunners subsequently returned with a second bid worth up to £70million, that was regarded as an “irrelevance” at the Amex Stadium.

While Arsenal and Brighton enjoyed cordial relations in the past, with Ben White and Leandro Trossard having both previously moved between the clubs, the Athletic claimed that the Gunners’ pursuit of Caicedo “soured” Brighton’s respect for the north Londoners.

Indeed, the pursuit of Caicedo has seen the Gunners drop down the pecking order of “clubs Brighton feel comfortable about engaging with regularly”.