Arsenal, Tottenham Jockeying To Acquire Argentine Midfielder From Brighton

Now that the World Cup 2022 is over, the race for the tournament's top performers is on.

Unsurprisingly, one of them is from the champion team Argentina.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Arsenal is interested in getting their hands on Alexis Mac Callister whose rights are owned by Brighton.

Although he has been with the team since 2019, the 23-year-old midfielder has had loan spells with the Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors.

However, there is also another team hot on the trail of the Argentinian player with L'Interista claiming that Tottenham is another team pursuing Mac Allister.

The Gunners and Spurs are the latest clubs to join the race for Mac Allister with several other teams already expressing their interest previously. That list includes Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus.

The stock of Mac Allister has unsurprisingly risen especially following his performance at the World Cup 2022.

He was a key component in Argentina winning the trophy once more, the first time since 1986.

In the finals, he held up the midfield against France, including an assist to Angel Di Maria.

For his efforts, Mac Allister drew praise from Seagulls coach Roberto De Zerbi.

"We are very proud of Alexis. He was one of the best players at the tournament," De Zerbi told BBC Sport. "I had many messages with him and I'm very happy for him."

However, the clubs pursuing Mac Allister need to settle Brighton's asking fee first as the Seagulls are seeking £30 million ($36.5 million) for the Argentine midfielder.

As far as Arsenal and Tottenham, this is considered a bargain. Hence, there is a possibility that a bidding war may ensue, following his breakout performance at the World Cup 2022.

Mac Allister appears to be an alternative for the Gunners in the January transfer window after failing to get Douglas Luiz.

Luiz ended up signing a new deal with Aston Villa, likely the reason why Arsenal has shifted its focus on Mac Allister.

The Gunners are looking to beef up their midfield position and are projected to target at least two players in the next transfer window.