Arsenal want PL midfielder, rivals unlikely to do deal with Gunners due to previous transfer issue - Reports
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba as they look to strengthen their midfield. However, they will face an uphill task to sign him.
Cameroon international Baleba has emerged as another gem from the Seagulls' impressive recruitment pool and is attracting interest from top sides. Still only 20 years old, he has contributed two goals and two assists in 10 appearances for Brighton this season, enhancing his burgeoning profile. The youngster is in only his second season in England, having joined the Seagulls from Lille for a reported £23 million in 2023.
Arsenal are one of the sides in the Premier League to have watched Baleba closely and are convinced that they want him to join them, as per Metro. The Gunners are set to face a significant hurdle, however, seeing as they do not have a good relationship with Brighton.
The Seagulls decided to 'blacklist' Mikel Arteta's side after they made a ridiculously low offer to sign midfielder Moises Caicedo in January 2023. The Ecuador international was interested in joining the Gunners before moving to Chelsea, but they failed to make a suitable offer for him.
The Seagulls are known to be difficult negotiators and will be eager to receive every last pound for the man they signed as a direct replacement for Caicedo. With Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur also interested, Baleba may yet be on the move in 2025.
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their midfield with the imminent departure of both Jorginho and Thomas Partey, as they are in the final year of their deals. Baleba is viewed as an ideal target due to his physicality as well as his technical qualities and eye for a pass, and the Gunners will try to sign him.
Arsenal keen to sign goalkeeper in 2025 despite failed approaches - Reports
Arsenal are keen to sign Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia to bolster their goalkeeping ranks in 2025. The Gunners remain interested in the Espanyol man, having failed to sign him in the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta's side identified 23-year-old Garcia as their choice to be back-up to countryman David Raya at the Emirates after Aaron Ramsdale's exit. They agreed terms with the Spanish goalkeeper but refused to pay his €30 million release clause and instead signed Neto on loan from Bournemouth.
TBR Football reports that the Gunners will not make Neto's move permanent as they remain interested in Garcia, and will make a move for him. They have kept a close eye on the Spaniard in LaLiga this season, where he has played 11 games and kept one clean sheet.