Arsenal, Liverpool & Man Utd join race for €65m 'next Caicedo'

Cameron Smith

• 28 Apr 2024 08:30 CDT
• 3 min read

Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba is being monitored by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, according to reports.

The 20-year-old joined Roberto De Zerbi’s side for €27 million last summer and he has racked up 32 appearances in all competitions so far this season, although he is yet to score or assist for his new club.

Baleba was signed as Brighton’s Moises Caicedo replacement following the Ecuadorian’s €116m move to Chelsea in 2023 and his play style has drawn comparisons to the ex-Seagulls midfielder.

READ MORE: Flop of the season? Moises Caicedo criticism is UNFAIR

While he isn’t an automatic starter under De Zerbi, Baleba is being monitored by Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd ahead of the summer transfer window, according to CaughtOffside. The report also states that Brighton are reportedly willing to listen to offers of around €65m (£55m).

His existing deal at the AMEX Stadium runs until 2028, while there is an option for a further year. Baleba has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €11.5m, but Brighton are known for their ability as a selling club, as proven by the fees paid for Caicedo and Marc Cucurella by Chelsea.

Billy Gilmour and Pascal Gross have often started ahead of Baleba this campaign, but the former Lille midfielder has attracted interest from some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs following his debut season in the English top flight.

READ MORE: Who is Carlos Baleba? The Brighton midfielder touted as 'the next Moises Caicedo'

Carlos Baleba to leave Brighton?

Interest in Baleba raises the question of where he would fit it at Arsenal, Liverpool or Man Utd. Given he is yet to establish himself as a regular starter at Brighton, he would likely become a rotation option if he joins one of the three aforementioned clubs.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd all spent big on central midfielders last summer, with Declan Rice joining the Gunners, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenbech and Wataru Endo all moving to Anfield, and Mason Mount signing for Man Utd.