Alexis Mac Allister has insisted he is in no rush to leave Brighton after helping Argentina to World Cup glory.
Mac Allister has only just returned to Sussex after a fortnight in his homeland celebrating his nation’s success in Qatar but, with the transfer window now open, speculation about his future is likely to ramp up.
The 24-year-old has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea since raising his stock considerably with some fine displays at the World Cup, but he signed a new Brighton contract in October committing his future until 2025, and has said he is happy on the south coast.
Inside training: @AleMacAllister in focus. 👀 pic.twitter.com/sFtAGSBX5a
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 2, 2023
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“I try not to read too much (speculation),” Mac Allister said on Albion TV. “I always say I am happy here, I don’t have any rush to leave. I feel really good, I’m really grateful with this club, my team-mates and all the people who work here. I’m just focused on the next game and this club.
“It was a good World Cup for this club and for the players who went to the World Cup. We know we’ve got a good team with really good players. This is a tough league, it will be hard, but we will try to finish as high as we can.”
Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi earlier said he believes it would be the best for all concerned for Mac Allister to at least see out the season with the Seagulls.
Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber has already accepted there will be interest in the midfielder but would not welcome any approaches in January.
Welcoming back our World Cup winner! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Bb2MoZmf2B
Advertisement— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 2, 2023
De Zerbi has spoken personally with the player and wants him to concentrate on his current club for now.
“I am happy if he wants to stay with us until the end of the season and I think it is better for him,” the Italian told a press conference.
“For us, for sure, but also for him because in this moment changing team in January can be a problem for him. For us, but also for him.”
De Zerbi has transfer plans of his own, having arrived at the club to replace Graham Potter in September.
But with a trip to Goodison Park imminent he is concentrating on a return to form after defeats in two of their last three matches.
“We can’t speak about the transfer market, but the club know my ideas,” he added.
“However, tomorrow is an important game for us and I am only focused on Everton.”
Mac Allister returned to the club’s training ground to a joyous welcome from staff and team-mates.
He joined the squad for his first session back but De Zerbi has not yet decided whether to throw the former Argentinos Juniors midfielder straight back into Premier League action.
“Mentally, for sure, Alexis can play,” he said.
“Physically, I’m not sure but we will see tomorrow morning.”
Brighton lost 4-2 at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday but, despite the defeat, De Zerbi was not downhearted.
Amazing from Alexis! 🤩 A brace from our World Cup winner secured victory over Everton #OnThisDay last year. 🔥
🏨 @Harbour_Hotels // #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3p68r59xFB— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 2, 2023
“We played well against Arsenal but we needed a bit of luck and we didn’t get that. They are a great team,” he said.
“I was satisfied with the performance and attitude against Arsenal and I’m positive for tomorrow. We have to start the game strongly.
“The table is still good for us but we are still in progress. We can still improve a lot.”
