Yasin Ayari attracting European interest as Brighton contract talks stall

Brighton face a fight to retain Yasin Ayari, with Chelsea, the AC Milan, Arsenal, Liverpool and several other leading European clubs monitoring the midfielder’s uncertain contract situation.

According to TEAMtalk, negotiations over Ayari’s future have yet to produce an agreement, putting Brighton at risk of losing one of their key players to a more ambitious club. The 23-year-old has become an important part of Fabian Hurzeler’s side since joining from AIK in 2023.

Ayari has established himself in Brighton’s midfield through his energy, mobility and ability to influence matches. His progress has increased his value on the transfer market, while the uncertainty surrounding his contract has encouraged interest from a growing number of potential suitors.

Brighton yet to agree long-term deal

Ayari’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Brighton do hold an option to extend it by one year, which would keep him at the club until 2028.

That provides the Seagulls with some protection, although discussions over a new long-term agreement have continued for several months without reaching a breakthrough. Brighton are keen to secure Ayari’s future and could activate the extension in an effort to maintain control of the situation.

The club’s priority is to avoid weakening its position in future negotiations, particularly as interest in the Sweden international continues to grow.

Ayari has not publicly clarified his intentions. The midfielder has indicated that the situation will be resolved in time, but his decision to remain reserved has kept speculation over his future alive.

Chelsea are among the clubs keeping a close watch. The London club value Ayari’s versatility and believe his intensity and movement could strengthen their midfield.

However, Chelsea face competition from Turkey. Galatasaray have followed Ayari for several months and reportedly view him as a younger alternative to other targets. Fenerbahce are also understood to have made their interest known, with reports suggesting the club has contacted Brighton and is continuing to monitor developments ahead of the winter transfer window.

AC Milan and Premier League rivals also interested

Interest also comes from Italy and elsewhere in the Premier League. The AC Milan have tracked Ayari’s development for some time, while Newcastle United, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have all been linked with the midfielder.

His age, performances in the Premier League and all-round midfield profile have made him an attractive option for clubs seeking to add energy and mobility in that area.

The outcome of Brighton’s contract discussions will be central to any possible move. A new agreement could make a transfer more difficult, while a continued impasse would intensify speculation over a departure.

Brighton must therefore balance their desire to retain Ayari with the need to protect his market value. Activating the existing option would offer short-term security, but it would not necessarily resolve the longer-term disagreement.

With the transfer window approaching, the pressure on Brighton is likely to increase. The club will soon face Manchester City in the fourth round of the EFL Cup, but Ayari’s contract is set to remain one of its most closely watched issues.