Man City ‘hot on heels’ of ‘perfect’ Prem midfield addition, but competition could spark bidding war
Manchester City are reportedly ‘hot on the heels’ of Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, as they see him as a ‘perfect addition,’ though competition is expected from Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Mac Allister was catapulted into the spotlight for his role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in 2022. Indeed, it’s not often a Brighton player is part of a World Cup-winning side.
He had shown decent form for the Seagulls last season. Five goals and two assists in 33 games is a good contribution in a ninth-placed side.
However, his World Cup form really showcased his talents. The 24-year-old scored in the 2-0 won against Poland as well as assisting the second goal in the final, helping his country to win the tournament for the first time since 1986.
Since then, he’s been linked with a move to a number of big sides. Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with the midfield star.
And it seems there’s legitimate hope that he’ll make a move to one of the Premier League’s biggest sides. Indeed, his father recently detailed the “possibilities” of him leaving in the summer.
He added that there is the “opportunity of a big transfer,” which he believes will benefit Brighton.
Those comments will no doubt have piqued the interest of the sides already linked with him. Now, the Daily Star reports Manchester City are ‘hot on the heels’ of Mac Allister.
Pep Guardiola reportedly sees the Argentine as the ‘perfect addition to his squad’. With Ilkay Gundogan’s contract running down and interest in him from Barcelona, he could well be gone by the end of the season.
As such, somebody like Mac Allister – who has scored five goals for an eighth-placed side this season – could well be the right man to replace him.
City won’t have an easy run to the transfer though. The report suggests Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are ‘all expected to join an intense race’.
It adds that ‘will spark a bidding war, with Brighton’s £70million valuation likely to be smashed in the process’.
For City, spending that sort of cash is no problem. Chelsea might need to ship some players out before spending big on another player after spending massive amounts without many outgoings over the past couple of seasons.
What’s more, Arsenal seem engrossed with Declan Rice, and went after Mac Allister’s midfield partner Moises Caicedo rather than the Argentine in January.
As such, Liverpool might present the only real tough test for City. But that they’re keen on Jude Bellingham and aren’t close to the Etihad outfit in the league means they’re likely a less attractive asset for Mac Allister.
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