Manchester City hopeful of beating Arsenal in €55M chase for Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood | OneFootball

Brighton and Hove Albion rising midfielder Jack Hinshelwood has drawn interest from Manchester City and Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 20-year-old exemplifies the Seagulls’ ability to transform potential into transpired success, making 16 appearances for the club this season while maintaining an impressive 87 percent passing accuracy in the heart of Fabian Hurzeler’s side. 

It comes at a time where Rodri’s contract status at the Etihad Stadium has come into question amid rising interest from Real Madrid, with Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva also expected to leave the club when his contract expires in June.

Hinshelwood’s performances haven’t only strengthened Brighton’s midfield and defensive structure but have also drawn interest from multiple sides at the top of the Premier League table, with City and Arsenal only two sides who are monitoring the midfielder.

Liverpool and Chelsea view the talent as a long-term investment, valuing both his technical reliability and homegrown status. Of course, both sides have completed productive business with Brighton in the past – with the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo respectively. 

However, according to Caught Offside, it is Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s employers who lead the race to sign the midfielder, who is valued between €45 million and €55 million – a figure that is enhanced in contrast to his market value due to his age. 

Hinshelwood’s rise to the top of Brighton’s ranks has been one of the best developments of the season so far and the academy graduate has evolved into a well-rounded midfielder, who can even play at right-back if and when required. 

The Englishman has scored once and picked up two assists this season for Brighton in the league, yet it’s his impact off the ball which has helped the Seagulls gain confidence to try and thrust them into European football places – for which they haven’t qualified since the 2022-23 campaign.

But in the Premier League, the Seagulls have won just twice in their 14 games and pressure has thus begun to mount on Hurzeler. The fact that Hinshelwood has still impressed despite a shocking run of form shows his innate ability and potential.

A victory against Brentford last time out makes for a time where Brighton can reintroduce hope and perhaps a late push for European football despite being 14th in the table and 11 points away, though a top-half finish is much more realistic for the club. 

Hinshelwood’s credentials to play in a top six side seem to strengthen by the week and although Guardiola’s current Manchester City contract expires in 2027, the 20-year-old fits the Catalan’s playbook to a tee.

Versatility, physicality and a simple yet effective outlook on passing is common amongst those who flourish under Guardiola – and Hinshelwood could prove to be the next piece of the puzzle for City as they approach a pivotal period in their history.