Brighton are already exploring ways to spend Arsenal‘s Leandro Trossard money as they target a move for Souleyman Doumbia.
What’s the story?
Well, it seems as if Mikel Arteta is close to signing Trossard in a £20m deal from Brighton after the Belgium international fell out with Roberto De Zerbi, as detailed by the Daily Mail.
Fabrizio Romano believes a deal is close with personal terms already agreed.
Just hours after that news emerged, Foot Mercato in France claimed that Brighton are now exploring a deal to sign Doumbia from Angers SCO.
The French news outlet believe the Seagulls are considering a bid with the 26-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Brighton could wait for Doumbia to become a free agent, although Foot Mercato state that De Zerbi admires the Ivory Coast international, and “could quickly make an offer” this month.
The Angers SCO No.3 has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far this season, and is not expected to cost a lot given his contract situation.
Brighton using Arsenal’s Trossard money well
If Brighton really are set to make a bid for Doumbia, it would be another smart bit of business from the Seagulls.
Brighton received £62m from the sale of Marc Cucurella to Chelsea back in the summer, investing some of that into the signing of Pervis Estupiñán from Villarreal.
The Ecuador international has done very well in English football, although it would be smart business to find a competitor in the left-back department for a minimal fee such as Doumbia.
It would also make Brighton feel more comfortable about selling Estupiñán if they receive another irresistible offer from a Premier League giant, knowing they have a backup option.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the Seagulls could soon make a bid for the Ivorian defender.
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