Potential transfer targets and a former Gunners striker - what can we expect from Brighton?

Danny Welbeck

Potential transfer targets and a former Gunners striker - what can we expect from Brighton?

By Josh Graham

Arsenal end the Premier League season at home to Brighton with the visitors fresh from a stunning 3-2 victory over champions Manchester City. 

Graham Potter’s men will give Mikel Arteta’s side a stern challenge on Sunday and boast potential Gunners transfer targets and even a former striker within their squad. 

The Seagulls will be full of confidence after overturning a 2-0 deficit against Pep Guardiola’s men and will be looking for revenge after losing 1-0 to Arsenal at the Amex in December. 

Danny Welbeck

One man who would have been hoping for a warm welcome from the 10,000 Gooners lucky enough to be inside the Emirates on Sunday is Danny Welbeck. 

The 30-year-old forward spent five years in north London after leaving boyhood side Manchester United in 2014.

But the England international is set to be denied a homecoming after hobbling out of the extraordinary City game after just 29 minutes with a hamstring injury. 

Potter confirmed the news and said: “Danny Welbeck, Davy Propper and Joel Veltman will miss out against Arsenal.” 

Welbeck bagged 32 goals in 126 appearances for Arsenal, but fans won’t have to worry about him returning to haunt his old side on this occasion.

Tariq Lamptey

Transfer targets

Brighton have secured their Premier League status for next season but may start the campaign without two of their most prominent stars - who could both be leaving for the Gunners.

Midfielder Yves Bissouma, who supported the Gunners as a boy, has caught the eye and reportedly could cost as much as £40million.

Liverpool are also said to be interested in the 24-year-old as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, while Arteta is thought to be keen on partnering him with Thomas Partey.

With Real Madrid loanee Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka’s futures at the club both far from certain, the board are set to bolster their resources in the middle of the park. 

Bissouma - who has made 100 tackles in the Premier League, more than anyone except Leeds’ Luke Ayling - might be joined by a familiar face in current teammate and right-back Tariq Lamptey.

The former Chelsea youngster enjoyed a storming start to the season before injury halted his progress and won’t play any part this weekend.

However, he could soon be back at the ground wearing red with Arsenal thought to be interested in making it a £70m double swoop for the talented duo. 

Speedster Lamptey could be brought in to replace Hector Bellerin if the Spaniard leaves having lost his spot as a guaranteed starter following an underwhelming campaign. 

What to expect?

Brighton will be buoyed by the return of skipper Lewis Dunk after a three-match suspension for the red card he picked up against Wolves almost two weeks ago.

Dunk will slot back in alongside talented defensive ace Ben White - one to watch for Gunners fans - in a back three with one of the goalscorers against City in Adam Webster and Dan Burn set to occupy the third spot. 

And with Welbeck and Neal Maupay both out, the dangerous Leandro Trossard could be recalled after scoring off the bench in midweek, while former Liverpool man and England international Adam Lallana could also feature.

Brighton have nothing to lose and can play with freedom unlike Arsenal who need a win for a chance of making the new Europa Conference League and to try and finish above Spurs.

The Seagulls will also arrive safe in the knowledge that they know what it takes to win at the Emirates having pulled off a 2-1 victory in the corresponding fixture last season.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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