Arsenal transfer news: Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder eyed as potential arrival?

The Gunners had started the new campaign in impressive fashion as they bid to build on two runner-up finishes in the Premier League.

However, Mikel Arteta's side have recently dropped five points behind leaders Manchester City, collecting just one point from games with Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively.

Arteta has not been helped by injuries to key players, and his squad members may be called upon heavily ahead of the October international break as Arsenal bid to remain in contention at the top of the standings.

In the short term, defence appears to be the biggest area of concern with the likes of Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori all experiencing varying injury issues.

Nevertheless, it appears that Arteta has one eye on adding to his engine room during one of the upcoming transfer windows.

Baleba on Arsenal radar

According to talkSPORT, Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has been identified as a potential incoming.

Having signed from Lille in 2023, the youngster did not particularly justify his £23m price-tag during 2023-24 after being acquired as a replacement for Moises Caicedo.

Under Fabian Hurzeler, it has been a different story with the 20-year-old a key figure in the centre of the pitch, contributing in defensive and attacking areas.

A total of nine starts and one substitute outing have been made in all competitions, the Cameroon international having two goals and two assists to his name,

With over three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, Baleba is tied to the Seagulls in the long term, yet that may not stop Brighton jumping at the chance to make a huge profit if an opportunity arises.

Who may Baleba replace?

Thomas Partey has emerged as an important part of Arteta's squad this season, either in the middle or as a makeshift option at right-back.

That said, the Ghana international has less than 12 months remaining on his contract and there has been no indication that a renewal is a likely occurrence.

Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard are Arsenal's other standout options in midfield.