Arsenal and Manchester United are keeping tabs on the progress of 23-year-old Swedish international Yasin Ayari at Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to a report by talkSPORT, Yasin Ayari’s contract situation has alerted several high-profile clubs. Apart from the Premier League clubs, the 23-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder is the subject of interest from AC Milan, with the Rossoneri eager to sign a midfielder next year.
Per talkSPORT, Brighton & Hove Albion can preserve their situation by triggering the extension option in his contract. However, the Premier League high-flyers are pushing to extend his stay by handing the Swede a new contract.
Yasin Ayari and his Premier League adventure so far
Yasin Ayari has blossomed into a top-class midfielder since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from AIK in January 2023. The youngster needed two loan stints before establishing himself as a regular starter for the Premier League club, though he has not looked back in the last 15 months.
The Swedish international has made 85 appearances for Brighton thus far while chipping in with eight goals and four assists. Ayari was also impressive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and he has been a regular this term, already accumulating over 500 minutes of game time in ten outings while scoring twice. His exploits have piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs, particularly from the Premier League.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Yasin Ayari has been on Manchester United’s wishlist for several months. Despite recruiting three midfielders in summer 2026, they see his defensive solidity as the missing balance. With Bruno Fernandes struggling for consistency early in the 2026/27 season, Manchester United need an alternative to stabilise their transition play. While Ayari won’t be a like-for-like substitute, his composure under pressure and possession-reclamation instincts would stabilise United’s deep midfield.
Arsenal’s pursuit stems from Martin Zubimendi’s inconsistent game time this season, leaving the midfield short of cover. Ayari, capable of anchoring midfield or supporting transition play, offers Arsenal tactical flexibility absent in their current ranks. Those qualities make him an ideal complement to Guimaraes’ ball-carrying role and Rice’s ball-winning responsibility, anchoring Arsenal’s midfield structure.
Ayari has considerable experience in the Premier League, and he should not take long to settle at either Arsenal or Manchester United. However, a move will not be straightforward, as Brighton have been working to tie the Swede to a new contract for months. With a mid-season window unlikely, both Arsenal and Manchester United must bide their time until summer 2027, when their persistent scouting may finally materialise into a formal approach.
