Arsenal hold long-term interest in Brighton midfielder | OneFootball

Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is a target for Arsenal amid his strong performances this season, according to a report.

Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber (C) challenges Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Danny Welbeck during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 31, 2024. (Photo by BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Alex Crook reports for talkSPORT that Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion is a long-standing target for Arsenal, as well as Liverpool.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is also a big admirer, so there’s evidently competition for the player.

On top of that, Crook points out that Brighton are under no pressure to sell, after turning record profits last year.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion controls the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Amex Stadium on October 26, 2024. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

20-year-old Baleba has caught the eye this season, making 10 appearances (nine starts) for Brighton. The only one of those 10 games that his team lost was against Chelsea in September, a game in which Baleba both scored and assisted.

The Cameroon international also provided an assist against Crawley Town and scored against Wolves in the League Cup, but he was rested as Brighton lost to Liverpool in the fourth round on Wednesday.

Those four goal contributions are a bonus, with Baleba largely operating as a more defensive midfielder. He’s helped Brighton to wins over Manchester united, Spurs, and Newcastle this season, as well as a draw with 10-man Arsenal.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Amex Stadium on October 26, 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal might need a new defensive midfielder in the coming transfer windows, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey getting older and running down their contracts. Declan Rice should be around for a while, but he doesn’t have much competition for the long term.