Alonso targets standout signing from Brighton

Chelsea are continuing to explore options to strengthen their midfield during the upcoming winter transfer window, following significant changes to the squad over the summer as part of manager Xabi Alonso's plan to rebuild the team.

The London club spent £348.8 million on new signings, while generating £402.76 million from player sales. The most notable departure was Enzo Fernández, who moved to Manchester City for £125 million, causing significant changes in midfield.

Despite strengthening several positions with signings including Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, and Geovany Quenda, Chelsea's fluctuating results in the Premier League have prompted the management to explore the possibility of making further signings, especially after their defeat to Tottenham by two goals to nil, despite previous victories over Brighton and AFC Bournemouth.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have placed Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari on their list of targets as negotiations between the player and his club regarding a new contract have stalled. The 23-year-old has established himself within the team under manager Fabian Hurztler, having joined Brighton from AIK in 2023.

Yasin Ayari's current contract expires next summer, with Brighton having the option to extend it until 2028. However, ongoing negotiations for a long-term agreement over the past few months have not yielded any significant progress. The English club is keen to retain the player and may resort to activating the extension clause to protect his market value.

Chelsea are not the only club interested in the Swedish player's services, with Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and AC Milan also monitoring him, alongside several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Newcastle, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

Brighton are not ready to part with their player easily, with his market value estimated at around £42 million, meaning any move to sign him in January will require a significant financial investment.