Arsenal and Liverpool keeping tabs on 20-year-old Premier League star ahead of a potential January move: Reports
Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. As reported by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football (via The Hard Tackle), the two title-challenging sides are monitoring the Cameroon international's progress at the Amex Stadium.
The aforementioned report claims that Baleba has caught the eye of a number of top clubs from across Europe with his exploits for Brighton. Arsenal and Liverpool are both among the admirers whereas Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly interested in the 20-year-old.
Baleba moved to Europe in 2022 from Cameroonian side EF Brasseries du Cameroun in only 2022. He joined Lille in 2022 and enjoyed a solid first season at the Ligue 1 club having made 23 appearances in the 2022-23 season.
His strong debut season at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy saw Brighton & Hove Albion fork out £23 million for his services in the summer of 2023. He was tasked to replace Moises Caicedo who left the Seagulls in a £115 million deal and has done pretty well so far.
Baleba has so far appeared 46 times for Brighton and has impressed with his all-round ability, particularly his tackling ability and tenacity. He has made nine appearances for the east Sussex club this season while contributing with two goals and two assists.
Liverpool and Arsenal were both named as Baleba's admirers even before his switch to the Amex Stadium. Both clubs are understood to be still keen on the young midfielder and view him as a potential long-term addition.
Arne Slot's side are reportedly looking for a new number six as an upgrade on Wataru Endo. The Gunners, on the other hand, could also do with an addition in the middle of the park, with Thomas Partey heavily linked with an exit.
Liverpool and Arsenal join the race for Barcelona target: Reports
Liverpool and Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Lille attacker Jonathan David, who has also been on Barcelona's radar. As reported by Tribal Football, the 24-year-old's signature is set to become heavily contested by clubs from across Europe.
Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly set to face competition for David from the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus. David's current deal at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy expires next summer and he has reportedly decided against signing a new deal.
The Canada international has been thoroughly impressive for Lille since joining Les Dogues in a deal worth reported €30 million in 2020. The versatile forward has scored 92 goals and produced 20 assists in 197 appearances for the Ligue 1 giants so far.
David has found the back of the net eight times this season while also contributing with two assists in 14 games across competitions, He could be available for absolutely nothing next summer and could be potentially available at a bargain price in January.