Brighton Eyeing Former Arsenal Academy Star at Bargain Price
Brighton is reportedly interested in making a move for prolific winger Philip Otele, who had a brief spell in Arsenal’s academy. The Seagulls have become renowned for their ability to scout and sign underrated and undervalued gems across the world who have gone on to achieve great success. This includes the likes of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Kaoru Mitoma, and Pascal Gross.
The Evening Standard reports that Brighton is keeping tabs on the 24-year-old after an impressive season. Otele joined top Romanian side CFR Cluj last summer and has since scored 13 goals and made six assists in 30 league appearances. Valued at just £3 million, he spent time in Arsenal’s academy a decade ago but was forced to leave the UK due to visa restrictions.
The Nigerian returned to England a few years later to study at Teesside University while also beginning his career with semi-professional club Wolviston before playing in Lithuania and Romania. If Brighton signs him, Otele wouldn’t link up with Roberto De Zerbi’s team straight away as they plan to send him on loan to partner club Union St Gilloise in Belgium.
Players like Caicedo, Denis Undav, and Simon Adingra also spent time in the Belgian top-flight before returning to the Amex. Brighton is in contention to qualify for European competition again this season but faces a tough test when they travel to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
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