Brighton planning next wonderkid transfer raid as Seagulls eye 20-year-old EFL star who has already captained his side
BRIGHTON are ready to move for Sheffield United’s rising star Ollie Arblaster as their next big signing.
Seagulls chiefs have made the midfield dynamo, 20, a top target despite their flurry of new arrivals.
And they are willing to pay at least £20million for Arblaster, who has already stood in as skipper of Chris Wilder’s side.
The Blades supporter is in no rush to leave — yet his fan club is growing and an offer or two is likely in January.
And a homegrown star such as Arblaster would fit in with Brighton’s strategy because they try to find players who can improve them, but also be sold on at some point.
Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Alexis Mac Allister are amongst the players to have been sold for huge profits in recent seasons.
The Seagulls’ strategy was also on display this summer with the arrivals of nine players all aged 24 or under.
New boss Fabian Hurzeler has already blended them into his squad with an unbeaten start to the campaign.
As for Arblaster, he has scored twice in four Championship appearances for the Blades this term, who are also yet to lose in the league.
Those matches include captaining his side against Norwich and Watford in their last two fixtures.
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The England under-20 international also made 12 Premier League appearances last term after breaking into the first-team.
However, he was unable to save the club from relegation at the first attempt.
Wilder’s return to Bramall Lane in December failed to inspire the club to survival.
The Blades ended the season bottom of the Premier League on 16 points after winning just three matches during the campaign.