20 February 2023 , 12:03
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The father of Brighton ace Alexis Mac Allister has admitted he expects his son to have plenty of suitors in the summer but acknowledges it is going to take a huge bid for the Seagulls to permit his departure.
The Argentinian has been in demand ever since he helped his country lift the World Cup in Qatar late last year but has since returned to the south coast of England where Mac Allister is contracted to Brighton until the summer of 2025 at the earliest.
Mac Allister penned a new deal at the Amex just before the tournament so that Brighton could command a higher fee for him in the future. That plan has worked perfectly, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea now well aware they will have to fork out a huge figure to try and land the Argentine.
His father, Carlos Mac Allister, has said as much as he told TyC Sports: "It seems to me a very good thing that he has returned from the World Cup and has not despaired about leaving, enjoying success calmly and in peace, in a team that loves him very much. The reception he received has been the best. He is very well in the club
"We all know that in July there will be possibilities to be able to leave. But prior to the World Cup, Alexis renewed his contract so that the club also has the opportunity of an important transfer, so that a lot can reach Brighton. It is the idea."
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In what could make for miserable reading from Arsenal's perspective, Mac Allister spoke more recently about his club future and admitted he was in no mood to contemplate leaving just yet.
Alexis MacAllister has been linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Where will Mac Allister be playing his football next season? Comment below
"I'm focused on Brighton. I’m really happy here, I enjoy every day," he told Sky Sports. "They know how grateful I am to this club and I don't have any rush to leave."
Hardly the sentiments of someone ready to force through an exit to seal a big-six switch.
Arsenal may be fearing the worst if they are to seriously try and lure Mac Allister to the Emirates due to their recent dealings with Brighton involving the Argentine's team-mate Moises Caicedo.
The Gunners tried desperately to sign the Ecuadorian in the January transfer window and actually lodged multiple bids for the 21-year-old, which seemed to turn Caicedo's head given he publicly issued a plea for Brighton to let him leave on social media.
All of Arsenal's bids were swiftly rejected by the Seagulls, despite the highest one being rumoured to be around the £75million mark.
In the aftermath of the transfer window closing, reports emerged that Arsenal had actually damaged their relationship with Brighton due to their persistence with Caicedo. It remains to be seen whether this will harm their chances when it comes to signing Mac Allister.