Arsenal and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba. The 20-year-old has gathered interest from Premier League giants after his performances for the club. Baleba remains confident in continuing his career with the Seagulls.
The youngster has filled the gaps in defense of Brighton that were left by Moises Caicedo and Yves Bissouma. These two players parted ways with the Seagulls to join Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Carlos has played a flexible role in the defensive lineup of Brighton.
Baleba’s journey in Europe began with Lille. He joined the French club in 2022. Brighton soon acquired the defensive midfielder in 2023 for a price tag of 23 million euros. Carlos had a very impressive season as a defensive midfielder which gathered the attention of many big clubs.
Carlos made a total of 37 appearances for Brighton and Hove Albion across all competitions last season. He had an impressive record last campaign with 2 goals and two assists in 10 outings as a defensive midfielder.
There is major interest from big clubs for the defender but there might be still some time before Baleba leave the club. The defender is tied a long term contract with the Seagulls till 2028. This contract also includes an extension clause of 1 year.
It seems like Brighton are in no rush in making a deal for their youngster. In the next transfer window it is unlikely that Carlos will move to another club. One thing to note is that the 20 year old is aware that big clubs are interested in him.
Carlos speaks out on his decision with Brighton
The young defensive midfielder made his way to Brighton and Hove Albion last summer for a hefty price tag of 23 million euros. Ever since his arrival he has only contributed positively to the team. As a defensive midfielder he scored 2 goals in 10 outings.
Baleba has no intention of leaving the Seagulls as of now. He is an important part of Fabian Hurzeler’s squad and has started in almost every game. While talking to Sky Sports the youngster said-
” I don’t really think like that: playing for two or three years and then leaving.”
He is currently focused on working under the boss Fabian Hurzeler and is not very keen on leaving the club. A big money deal might change his mind if Arsenal or Liverpool make a move in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal ready to axe last year’s signing
The Gunners are ready to release their left back Jakub Kiwior in the January transfer window. Kiwior made his way to Emirates Stadium last season but has struggled to get any play time. The club has now revealed the asking price for the left back.
Arsenal were in dire need of defensive players in their squad due to injury concerns. They signed Jakub from Serie B club Spezia Calcio at a price tag of 20 million euros. This deal was expensive but important as the Gunners wanted men in defence.
The North London giants also signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna in the recent summer transfer window. Calafiori has been seen as a first preference for Mikel Arteta who considers the Italian should start in every game.
The youngster has played only 96 minutes in the Premier League this season. He has not started in any of the games for Arsenal. A fresh start with a new club might help Kiwior getting playing time in the main team.
Arsenal are expecting close to 20 million euros for the defender. There are interest from La Liga club Villareal and also teams from Serie A. It would be interesting to see if Kiwior returns to Serie A or if another team is willing to pay the hefty price tag.
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