Chelsea compete with Galatasaray to sign Yasin Ayari

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Yasin Ayari, a midfielder for Brighton, amid stalled contract renewal talks and interest from Galatasaray and Saudi clubs, according to English site "TEAMtalk".

The Swedish player, aged 23, is out of contract at the end of the season, with Brighton having the option to extend for an additional year. However, this clause has not been activated yet, despite ongoing negotiations for a new contract since before the summer.

Chelsea are monitoring Yasin Ayari's situation, who is considered an important player in coach Fabian Hunzler's squad. He is receiving special attention from the club's sporting director, Paul Winstanley, who previously worked at Brighton and contributed to discovering the player's talent.

Galatasaray remain interested in signing a midfielder after monitoring him over the summer, while Saudi clubs have inquired about his situation. The Turkish club is also keeping an eye on Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, but Yasin Ayari represents a younger and cheaper option.

Brighton face a challenge regarding the player's future due to his importance in Hotzler's plans, while activating the extension clause may help protect his value amid ongoing uncertainty about reaching a new agreement.