The father and agent of Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister has revealed that there will be "chances" for the midfielder to leave the club this summer.
The 24-year-old has elevated his game to new heights for club and country over the past six months, establishing himself as a key player for both Brighton and Argentina.
Mac Allister forced his way into Lionel Scaloni's Argentina side that won the 2022 World Cup, starting in six of their seven matches en route to the final in Qatar.
After scoring his first international goal in the group stage, the midfielder provided an assist for Angel di Maria in the showpiece event against France as Argentina went on to win 4-2 on penalties.
Mac Allister has also excelled for Brighton so far this season, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances across all competitions, with the Seagulls dreaming of qualifying for Europe as they sit sixth in the Premier League table following a strong run of form.
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Mac Allister's rapid rise on the global stage is understood to have attracted interest from a number of top European clubs including Manchester City, who have allegedly identified the midfielder as a potential replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with an interest in Mac Allister, who is under contract at the Amex Stadium until June 2025.
Last month, the Santa Rosa-born midfielder revealed that he is in "no rush" to leave Brighton, telling BBC Radio Sussex: "I feel really good with this club and my teammates, and everyone who works here.
"I try not to read too much. I always say I am really happy here and I don't have any rush to leave. I am focused on the next game with this club."
His father Carlos Mac Allister – who also acts as his agent – has since reiterated the midfielder's happiness on the South coast, but has suggested that a long-term stay at the Amex may not be on the cards.
Speaking to Argentine news outlet TyCSports, Mac Allister's father said: "For now he is in Brighton. It seems to me a very good thing that he has returned from the World Cup and has not despaired of leaving.
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"He is enjoying success calmly and in peace in a team that loves him very much. The reception he received has been for the better. He is very happy at the club.
"We all know that in July there will be chances to leave. But prior to the World Cup, Alexis renewed his contract so that the club also has the opportunity to make a big sale, so that many can reach out to Brighton. That's the idea."
A recent report from journalist Gaston Edul claims that Mac Allister senior is travelling to England to negotiate the player's future, with the view to potentially departing Brighton this summer.
Under the tutelage of former boss Graham Potter, Mac Allister joined Brighton from Argentinos Juniors for around €8m (£6.9m) in January 2019, and has since made a total of 92 appearances for the Seagulls across all tournaments, contributing with 15 goals and six assists.
Mac Allister is expected to feature in Roberto De Zerbi's starting lineup when Brighton play host to Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
