Transfer News: Paul Barber confirms contract talks with Chelsea target Alexis Mac Allister
Brighton & Hove Albion chief Paul Barber has confirmed that the club in is in talks with Chelsea target and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister. The Blues along with Inter Milan and a host of clubs are interested in the 23-year-old.
Mac Allister enjoyed a sensational World Cup with his country in Qatar as he featured in all their games except one. The Seagulls midfielder provided an assist in the final as Argentina won the tournament 4-2 on penalties against France after the game ended 3-3.
Now, Barber while speaking to talkSPORT (h/t Sussex Live), the Brighton chief has confirmed that the club are in talks to extend the midfielder’s contract, although he also acknowledged that there will be more interest in the player.
“We felt that Alexis has been performing really well all season, he performed well last season. As we’ve always said, when players do well, when their profile increases, there’s always going to be interest in them.”
“And this will be no different, Alexis is no different, there was interest in him before the World Cup and I’m sure there will be more interest in him afterwards.”
The midfielder move to the Premier League side in January 2020 from Boca Juniors. Since then, he has been a regular for the Seagulls. contributing to their success on the pitch. He has made 14 league appearances so far, scoring five goals in the process.
Graham Potter needs to reinforce his midfield ahead of the second half of the season. The likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are beyond their prime and also face uncertain futures at the club, with the winter transfer window knocking on the door.
Conor Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all had their moments, but are still inconsistent throughout the season. Reinforcements are needed and Mac Allister makes a fine option to have in one’s team.
An experienced Premier League midfielder who showed his calmness and skills at arguably the biggest stage of the game, he would make a fine option for the club as we usher into a new era. However, the midfielder sees his current contract expire in 2025 (transfermarkt), giving the Seagulls the advantage to negotiate a price of their will.
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- Transfer News: Romeo Lavia more likely to join Chelsea than Edson Alvarez
- AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli on the future of Chelsea target Rafael Leao
It remains to be seen if the 23-year-old signs any new deal with his current side. It will be wise for the Blues to keep tabs on the player and maybe test the waters by making an approach for his next month.