Arsenal are amongst a whole host of clubs that are reported to be interested in a move for Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in the transfer window. The Argentina international appears to be another of the Seagulls' signing success stories, joining for just over £5million in 2019.
Since then, Mac Allister has continued his rise to stardom, earning a call-up and a starting place in the Argentina national team for the World Cup. He didn't just survive, but thrived for the South American nation, playing a huge part in what ended up being a victorious campaign.
His combination with Lionel Messi has led to many comparisons between the two, with some believing he will eventually take the famous No.10 shirt off of him. Discussing his triumph, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said: "He is one of the best midfielders in Europe.
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"I think Messi and Mac Allister speak the same language. Messi understands very well the quality of Alexis. And I think Messi wanted players who speak the same language. The language of football."
It comes as little surprise that there would be such interest in his services, with the 23-year-old fitting the exact profile that would suit Arsenal. Should he make the move in January, there would be some decisions over which shirt number he would have to take within the squad.
Unfortunately for Mac Allister, there aren't any numbers available in the first 11, however with a favour from on-loan full-back Nuno Tavares, he could have the number 20 that he wore during the World Cup.
Available shirt numbers: 29, 32, 36-99
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