Arsenal are one of the teams that have a “longstanding interest” in Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
The journalist claims that the Gunners, Tottenham and Liverpool are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old, who has started to turn heads with his performances for the Seagulls this season.
Supporters on X are split on whether Baleba would be a good addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad:
Partey’s replacement.
— 𝟔𝟗 (@bjay_69) October 29, 2024
He is not good enough
— Six Sousands (@bertlet_mc) October 29, 2024
Love him – baller 🙌🏾
— Emeke John (@sisquo_delgado) October 29, 2024
Another flop to be addded to the cart
— PETER (@FEARLESS_ROCK_) October 29, 2024
The guy is good
— Okiedokie002 (@okiedokie002) October 29, 2024
Arsenal want to have a deal with Brighton… Sigh
— ABLAZE FOR GOD 🔥 (@Xannypaul) October 29, 2024
hope it’s true, brilliant player
— Jacobi (@jacob_jimy) October 29, 2024
Arsenal with unnecessary signings. We are not ready for epl truly, if we’re thinking Baleba is the answer to our problems again.
— Vido of Ibadan 🫡 (@DavidIfamuyiwa) October 29, 2024
Perfect replacement for partey
— Dio-kpa N.W.A.G.B.A 🌟 (@Fearless_Rexedu) October 29, 2024
Arsenal do need to replace Partey
Midfield will be one of the areas that the Gunners will need to reinforce at the end of the season. Not only is Jorginho out of contract next summer but so is Thomas Partey.
The Ghanaian international has been in great form this campaign but he turns 32 in June and his past injury record means the club will be reluctant to hand him a long-term deal. A younger replacement is likely to be sought.
Baleba won’t be available on the cheap
Brighton spent £23m to bring the Cameroon international from Lille in August last year, and Fabian Hurzeler’s side would likely demand a much higher fee for him now.
Baleba won’t be priced in excess of £100m like former target Moises Caicedo, but Arsenal would still have to pay a hefty sum to secure the midfielder’s services.
Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here