Exclusive: Arsenal and Tottenham both very impressed with £23m Brighton player and considering moves
Today at 07:52 AM
Arsenal had a pretty productive summer transfer window.
The Gunners signed Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and Raheem Sterling – who joined on deadline day from Chelsea.
Though, there is still plenty of room to strengthen the squad and behind the scenes, Arsenal’s recruitment team is already identifying a number of targets.
With that said, TBR Football can now reveal who Arsenal are scouting ahead of the January transfer window.
Arsenal and Tottenham scouting Carlos Baleba
TBR Football can reveal that some of the Premier League's top clubs are showing an interest in the progress of Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
Baleba arrived at Brighton in 2023 from Lille and took a little time to settle into life in England.
But now, the Cameroon international is showing some outstanding form under new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler.
The 20-year-old was seen as the successor to Moises Caicedo and he is now very much living up to expectations.
Prior to joining Brighton – Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United were amongst the sides who considered moving for him and he is again attracting interest.
We can reveal that Arsenal and Liverpool have maintained a watching brief on Baleba, but they are not alone with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham also understood to have been impressed with Baleba's recent form.
Carlos Baleba profile
Baleba, who joined Brighton for £23m last year, is a technical midfield player who typically operates in the number six role.
According to FBref data, the left-footed maestro is of a similar profile to Amadou Onana, interestingly, who was on Arsenal’s radar in the summer.
Baleba ranks in the top four per cent for pass completion per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe, amplifying his exceptional proficiency in possession.
Further, he sits in the top three per cent for blocks and 15 per cent for aerial duels won – evincing his defensive qualities, too.
Clearly, whoever manages to land his signature will be getting a top player with a high ceiling, given he only turned 20 this year.
