Chelsea join Galatasaray in race for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari

Chelsea are monitoring Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari after negotiations over a new contract stalled, with Galatasaray also interested in the 23-year-old Sweden international of Tunisian origin.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have entered the competition for Ayari, whose future at Brighton remains uncertain. The midfielder has become an important part of Fabian Hurzeler’s squad, but his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Brighton hold an option to extend the agreement by a further year, although that clause has not yet been activated. Discussions between the club and the player have been under way for several months without reaching a conclusion, increasing the possibility that rival clubs could make a move.

Chelsea and Galatasaray monitoring situation

Chelsea are understood to be following the situation closely. Their sporting director, Paul Winstanley, is familiar with Ayari’s profile, and the club are assessing their options ahead of the next transfer windows.

Galatasaray are also pursuing the midfielder, while a number of Premier League clubs are keeping track of developments. The strongest competition for Ayari could nevertheless come from clubs elsewhere in Europe.

No transfer has been agreed, and Ayari’s next move will depend largely on the outcome of the negotiations with Brighton. The club must now decide whether to secure his future or risk allowing uncertainty around his contract to continue.

Ayari has established himself as a significant member of Hurzeler’s team since making his way into the Brighton squad. His experience of the demands of the English top flight is one factor that could appeal to Chelsea as they consider their recruitment options.

Brighton will soon play their eighth-round English league match against Liverpool, with Ayari’s contractual situation unresolved ahead of that fixture.