Yasin Ayari transfer rumour: Chelsea linked with Brighton midfielder

Swedish-Tunisian midfielder Yasin Ayari is the subject of a reported move from Brighton to Chelsea, with the two Premier League clubs linked in a transfer rumour dated 22 October 2026.

Ayari, 23, has made six Premier League appearances for Brighton this season, starting most of those matches and scoring twice. He has also featured in the club’s European campaign and EFL Cup, while representing Sweden at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored two goals in four appearances.

The central midfielder joined Brighton from Swedish club AIK in January 2023 for a reported €4m. He subsequently spent time on loan at Coventry and Blackburn before returning to the Amex Stadium at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Ayari’s current market value is listed at €45m, although no transfer fee has been specified for the rumoured move to Chelsea. The proposed switch would keep him in the Premier League, where he has established a regular role for Brighton during the opening stages of the current campaign.

He remains under contract with Brighton until 30 June 2027, meaning the club would not face the immediate possibility of losing him as a free agent. The reported Chelsea interest therefore concerns a player with two years remaining on his existing deal and a growing presence in Brighton’s midfield.