Prem rival now in talks for ‘gifted’ Arsenal target to replace Tottenham deal

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Brighton & Hove Albion are now in talks with Florian Grillitsch, amid interest from Arsenal, over the free agent midfielder replacing new Tottenham Hotspur signing Yves Bissouma.

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report the Seagulls have opened discussions with the Austrian’s representatives. Graham Potter is keen to take Grillitsch to the south coast this summer, after he left Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim at the end of his contract in June.

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Potter has identified Grillitsch as a target who could replace Bissouma in his midfield after selling the Mali international to Tottenham for £25m, rising up to £35m with add-ons, last month. He additionally appreciates that the 26-year-old can also play in central defence.

Brighton are keen to strengthen their numbers in central midfield and defence due to the players they have lost this year. Along with Bissouma, Potter allowed Dan Burn to leave in January for Newcastle United, and Taylor Richards is joining Queens Park Rangers on loan.

Potter believes Grillitsch will offer the same type of attributes that Bissouma showed after joining the Seagulls in 2018. Brighton paid LOSC Lille £15m for the 27-cap anchor now with Tottenham, who shone in his defensive tasks protecting the defence at the Amex Stadium.

Brighton to beat Arsenal interest in Grillitsch to replace Bissouma of Tottenham

Arsenal have also shown interest in signing Grillitsch this summer, but look set to lose out to Brighton as Potter replaces new Tottenham signing Bissouma. The Telegraph noted that the Gunners, Everton and Leeds United were considering a move for the Austrian in April.

Grillitsch is yet to sign off on any free transfer since leaving Hoffenheim on June 30, but he wants his future resolved soon. That’s according to Sky Germany, who note the 33-cap ace has offers in England, Italy and Turkey with Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor chasing.

Brighton are now moving to win the race for Grillitsch, who Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen calls ‘gifted’. So, one in at Tottenham could mean one does not arrive at Arsenal this year, should he accept Potter’s proposal of replacing Bissouma at the Amex.