Brighton have hinted further at the chances of star duo Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister leaving the club this summer after making another major transfer decision. The Seagulls are set to sign James Milner at the end of his contract at Liverpool and another new midfielder looks set to join him, which opens the door for a double exit involving Caicedo and Mac Allister this summer.
Chelsea and Arsenal are among the clubs to have shown a strong interest in the Brighton duo, with both London clubs seeing bids for Caicedo rejected in the January transfer window. Despite a public statement suggesting he wanted to leave, Caicedo then signed a new contract at the Amex Stadium in February.
Mac Allister, meanwhile, saw his stock rise significantly after his starring role in Argentina's World Cup triumph. Alongside Chelsea and Arsenal, Liverpool, who are seeking a major midfield rebuild, are firmly in the race for Mac Allister and seem to be leading the way, with his move expected to come near the start of the summer window.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher labels one Arsenal star 'embarrassing' after controversial incident vs Brighton
Despite only being in the job for eight months, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has already faced numerous huge transfer decisions and moves for the summer have already been finalised. Earlier in the month, the club confirmed the arrival of Joao Pedro from Watford ahead of the 2023/24 season and another deal looks to have been completed which has huge ramifications on the future of Mac Allister and Caicedo on the south coast.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mahmoud Dahoud is closing in on a move to Brighton where he will join the club on a free transfer, with his Borussia Dortmund contract expiring this summer. News of the 27-year-old's impending move to Brighton being close, after a verbal agreement was reached last week, coincided with a major admission made by De Zerbi following his side's superb victory over Arsenal.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “For sure we will lose some players, maybe Caicedo and Mac Allister." The former was particularly impressive in the 3-0 win over the Gunners in an unfamiliar position of right-back as he successfully nullified Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe.
When Brighton faced Manchester United a few weeks back, Caicedo was played at right-back to prevent Marcus Rashford from impacting the game and Brighton then went on to win 1-0. Mac Allister has also showed his versatility to seamlessly move into an attacking midfield role at the Emirates Stadium after injuries had forced him to drop back into the midfield pivot over the last month.
The clear versatility of both will likely only add numbers onto their price tags, with both expected to move in the summer. Chelsea or Arsenal acquiring either would immediately improve their respective midfield departments, with Brighton continuing to reap the rewards of their superb club model.
READ NEXT:
Jakub Kiwior issues firm response to Roy Keane after brutal Arsenal criticism in Brighton defeat
Mohamed Simakan to Arsenal transfer: Strong interest, 'perfect' Arteta player, Man United race
Arsenal know $466m Man City transfer truth as Stan Kroenke handed huge blow
Moises Caicedo fires nine-word response after Arsenal win amid Roberto De Zerbi transfer claim
Antonio Conte makes feelings on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal crystal clear after Brighton defeat
