Brighton news and transfers - Tariq Lamptey to Arsenal, Yves Bissouma latest, Ben White West Ham claim

Arsenal are said to be considering a move for Brighton's flying wing back Tariq Lamptey ahead of tomorrow's Premier League showdown at the Amex Stadium
Brighton wing back Tariq Lamptey has been attracting attentionBrighton wing back Tariq Lamptey has been attracting attention
Brighton wing back Tariq Lamptey has been attracting attention

Lamptey's impressive displays have caught the eye this season and the Gunners feel the former Chelsea man could be an ideal replacement for Barcelona target Hector Bellerin.

Lamptey, who joined Brighton for just £3m last January, is unavailable for Tuesday's match against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury.

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The 20 year-old has made a huge impact since arriving on the south coast and has also been linked with Bayern Munich, while former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney previously urged United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to sign Lamptey 'immediately.'

Brighton head coach Graham Potter confirmed Lamptey is unavailable for Arsenal and a doubt for Wolves.

"He's going to be a few days and maybe weeks but we will see," said Potter.

"He is an explosive runner. We are learning about him and he is learning about himself as well in terms of the Premier League's demands.

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"He is learning about his position and how he plays the game. He is unique in that regard.

"That is something we have to keep working on and keep trying to improve and help him be available on the pitch more."

Yves Bissouma

Another player linked to a move away from the Amex this January is Mali international midfielder Yves Bissouma. The 24-year-old has been excellent for Graham Potter's team this season and has adapted to more defensive midfield role.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the Brighton man who joined the Seagulls for £15m from Lille in 2018.

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Bissouma has been linked with a move to the Emirates as well as Liverpool, Man United and also Real Madrid. His agent Michael N'Cho unsurprisingly says there is 'significant interest' in his client.

Potter however remains unfazed by the speculation and feels there is more to come from his man.

“There have been no approaches," said Potter when asked if an official enquiry had been received. “As I’ve said before, just because it’s in the media, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true.

“My focus is on Yves and how I can help him improve and I think he’s still got some improvement to make.

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“That’s my focus with him, to try and help him reach his full potential."

Potter did however accept that the speculation means he and Bissouma are doing something right.

"I get what you mean," said Potter. "But I don't read the papers. This time of the year all sorts of things are put out there which are sometimes true, sometimes untrue, but it doesn’t help me in any way if I listen to the noise.

"Yves has taken some steps and has improved but also still has some more improving to do, which is exciting and is where the work is."

Ben White

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Brighton defender Ben White came in for some criticism after Albion's 2-2 draw at West Ham on Sunday.

Brighton twice lost the lead at the London Stadium after goals from Neal Maupay and Lewis Dunk.

The Hammers earned a draw in the 80th minute when unmarked Tomas Soucek headed home from a corner.

Sky pundits Jamie Redknapp and Bobby Zamora both pointed the figure at White and said he should have done more to prevent Soucek's run and header.

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"For me highlighting Ben White unfortunately," said former Albion striker Zamora. "He would have been told to pick up the runners but if you have a look at Ben, look at Soucek who runs straight off him.

"Whether there is a shout in there and he [White] decides to pull away at the last moment, I don't know."

Redknapp added: "I agree. Because if you are going to do that blocking you have got to be strong and get the arm up and stop the run of Soucek.

White, who played in the unfamiliar role of right back at West Ham said, "We didn't defend well for the corner and they punished us for that, but to get a point away from home in the Premier League is a good result and we dug deep in the end.

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“I think a win is coming, we're playing well in matches so hopefully we get that break soon.

“If we're at our best against Arsenal on Tuesday, then we feel like we can get a result against them.

“We want to start pushing up the table away from the relegation places and a win would help us to do that.”