The signing of Lisandro Martínez’s Manchester United will not only improve the Red Devils’ defensive options, but will also mean a blow to their rival, Manchester City, in the transfer market. Erik ten Hag’s side appear to have beaten Arsenal in the race for the Argentine and the transfer could also prevent their Manchester rivals from moving on to one of their key targets this summer in the process.
After sanctioning Martinez’s sale to United, Ajax have named Rangers defender Calvin Bassey as their top priority to replace Martinez, according to De Telegraaf, but are facing competition from Brighton. According to reports, the Scottish side are reluctant to let go of the Nigerian and have been charged a £ 25m price to the 22-year-old, who Ajax could now pay after receiving the fee for Martinez.
Brighton may see Bassey as a possible replacement for Marc Cucurella, whom Manchester City have been interested in this summer, but the Seagulls would be less likely to agree a share with Pep Guardiola’s side for the Spanish left-back if they are defeated by his substitute. by Ajax with the money they received from City rivals.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd believes a possible move from Brighton to Bassey would indicate a domino effect on the best clubs in the Premier League. “I can’t help but think that this might start a domino effect,” Boyd told Sky Sports News. “It simply came to our notice then [Oleksandr] Zinchenko was linked with Arsenal and if I were Manchester City, I would give Brighton whatever they want for Cucurella.
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“I think he’s as good as anything in the Premier League. He adapts to his style of offensive play and, if that’s the case, Bassey could easily find himself as a starter at Brighton.”
However, if the Nigerian international moves to the Eredivisie with Ajax, Cucurella could remain at AMEX Stadium and City could be looking for alternatives to fill the gap on the side with Oleksandr Zinchenko linked to a move to the Arsenal or vetoing this move. which could further damage Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans, after losing to United by Martinez.
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Cucurella has been praised by Brighton boss Graham Potter for his professionalism, indicating that the 23-year-old is unlikely to take a move with four years left on his contract and President Tony Bloom has stated that the club has not received no offer for Spanish.
“March [Cucurella] he’s a tremendous player, “Bloom told BBC Radio Sussex.” A tremendous person. He’s great for the locker room. The players love him, Graham. [Potter] and the coaches, they love him, I love him, the fans love him.
“He was incredibly good last season, his first season in the Premier League. We hope he comes more and we haven’t had any offers for him.”
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