Brighton close on Carlos Baleba & open loan talks for Arsenal midfielder

Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on the signing of Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, sources have confirmed to 90min.

The 19-year-old has emerged as the Seagulls' top transfer target following the departure of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a British-record £115m fee.

Baleba broke through into Lille's first-team last season to replace Amadou Onana, quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest young prospects in Ligue 1, and 90min revealed in March that a number of top Premier League clubs were keeping an eye on his performances.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United were among those to watch Baleba, while Nottingham Forest have shown interest this summer as they bid to retain their Premier League status for a second consecutive season.

But it's Brighton who are now closing in on Baleba's signature, after 90min revealed earlier this month that talks had taken place over a potential deal. A fee of around €30m (£25.5m) has been agreed in principle but the two parties still need to iron out the finer details.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem and there's hope from Brighton's end that the move could be completed in time for Baleba to make his debut against West Ham United this Saturday.

90min further understands that Brighton are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for Albert Sambi Lokonga, with the Europa League qualifiers potentially looking to sign both central midfielders as they prepare to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Joao Pedro, Bart Verbruggen, Igor, Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner have already put pen to paper on the south coast, strengthening side who surprised many last season to clinch a sixth-place finish under Roberto De Zerbi.

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