Liverpool and Arsenal will need at least £40million if they want to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
The Reds have tracked the Mali international all season as they search for a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum who is expected to leave when his contract expires this summer.
But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also desperate to capture the services of the 24-year-old as he looks to overhaul his squad at the Emirates.
The Gunners want to pair Bissouma with Thomas Partey to produce a midfield capable of competing against the best teams in the Premier League from next year.
Brighton boss Graham Potter claimed this week that he believes staying at the club for another season would be the best for his development as a player.
But SunSport understands privately the club know there is little they could do to stop him looking to move on should two of the biggest teams in the country make a move.
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The Seagulls have already started looking at possible targets to cover Bissouma leaving, with Reading player of the year Josh Laurent one of their options.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago