Arsenal report: Gunners and Atletico Madrid target Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina celebrates after their side scored their second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.
(Image credit: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Atletico Madrid on the back of a superb World Cup.

The midfielder was one of the standout stars for his country as the Albiceleste were crowned world champions for the first time since 1986.

After starting on the bench for the opening defeat to Saudi Arabia, Mac Allister was drafted into Lionel Scaloni’s starting lineup and put in a string of eye-catching performances.

Mac Allister scored against Poland in the group stage and provided the assist for Argentina’s flowing second goal against France in the final.

According to a report in AS, the 23-year-old’s performances have caught the eye of Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.

Both clubs are interested in the Brighton man, but other major European clubs could soon join the queue.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was asked about his Mac Allister’s success in a press conference.

“It is fantastic news for us because we are Brighton," said the Italian.

"When there are other big teams who want our players, we have to be proud and we have to be happy. It's not a problem.

"A plan is made for January - now is December! They [owners and board] know my opinion and my idea. I have a clear idea in terms of which positions we need and which players we need to play in our style as well."

Mac Allister has five goals in 14 Premier League appearances to his name already this season.

Brighton are back in action away to Charlton in the League Cup on Wednesday, before resuming their Premier League campaign at Southampton on Boxing Day.

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Reports suggest Arsenal are now at the front of the queue for Joao Felix, who could leave Atletico Madrid in January.

The Gunners, Chelsea and Liverpool have all been strongly linked with Yunus Musah, who impressed for the USA at World Cup 2022.

Barcelona are said to be keeping tabs on Gabriel Martinelli, who will enter the final year of his contract at the end of the season.

Alasdair Mackenzie is a freelance journalist based in Rome, and a FourFourTwo contributor since 2015. When not pulling on the FFT shirt, he can be found at Reuters, The Times and the i. An Italophile since growing up on a diet of Football Italia on Channel 4, he now counts himself among thousands of fans sharing a passion for Ross County and Lazio.