'One in and one out' - Brighton's latest transfer trick will surprise Arsenal as Rangers and Millwall wait

Rewind 12 months and Brighton's situation on both wings looked pretty solid.

The sublime skills of Kaoru Mitoma provided the main option on the left, with young gun Tommy Watson - fresh from his move from Sunderland - pushing and challenging for minutes.

The right hand side was also strong as the flying Yankuba Minteh was first choice, with German under-21 international Brajan Gruda (remember him) offering competition.

Things have changed quite dramatically since then. Mitoma will miss the start of the season as he recovers from hamstring surgery and Minteh is out for "several weeks" as he sustained a leg injury during the pre-season win against Roma.

Watson has dropped two levels and is currently on a season loan with League One Leicester and Gruda is unlikely to be seen in an Albion shirt again as he returned for another Bundesliga loan with RB Leipzig, who have the option to buy.

Gomez and De Cuyper

So where does that leave Brighton ahead of the new season?

As it stands, Fabian Hurzeler best options appear to be Diego Gomez on the right and Maxim De Cuper on the left. Both started in the final pre-season tune-up against Bologna and both could be on the flanks for the Uefa Conference League first leg play-off in Tromso on Thursday.

Both are solid options but they clearly lack the attacking thrust of Mitoma and Minteh. Gomez spent most of his career as a central midfielder and De Cuyper is more recognised as a left back.

Hurzeler may though look elsewhere in his squad as winger Ibrahim Osman has looked sharp in pre-season and £21m summer arrival Zadok Yohanna has shown some encouraging signs.

Both are though untested at Premier League level and may take a little bedding in. They provide options, but most likely from the bench.

Amario Cozier-Duberry

There is also uncertainty around Amario Cozier-Duberry. The former Arsenal winger had an excellent season on loan at League One Bolton last term and many expected him to challenge for first team football at Albion this campaign.

He was though an unused substitute against Bologna and Brighton are now currently fending off bids of around £8m from Rangers for the 21-year-old.

Cozier-Duberry has just under two-years remaining on his contract after his free transfer move from Arsenal in 2024. Gunners fans will perhaps be surprised that Cozier-Duberry has so far failed to make an impact on the Brighton first team.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted: "Brighton have rejected a second bid from Rangers of around £7m for Amario Cozier Duberry.

"There are more clubs keen on the player as discussions will follow in the next days."

Expect further movement in the coming days but Brighton will hope to achieve more than £10m for their winger, should they decide to sell. A new contract and loan perhaps?

New singings?

Cozier Duberry's potential exit would further reduce Hurzeler's options this term so don't rule out Brighton dipping into the transfer market again.

The BBC's Nizaar Kinsella reported that Millwall winger Femi Azeez is of interest to Brighton. The 25-year-old Nigeria international is apparently highly likely to leave the Championship club this summer and he is valued at around £15m. Newly-promoted Hull are also keen.

Much to consider for Brighton and plenty of moving parts ahead of the new season, which is just days away.