Lionel Messi said to be a huge fan of £7m star linked with January move to Arsenal

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has praised midfielder Alexis Mac Allister by claiming that even the great Lionel Messi appreciates just how good his Argentina teammate is.

Mac Allister, 23, was one of the stars of the World Cup in Qatar.

His energetic performances in midfield were vital for Argentina, who beat France on penalties in Sunday's final to claim their third World Cup.

The midfielder, who joined Brighton in a £7m move from Argentinos Juniors in 2019, is now being linked with a move away from the Amex Stadium in January.

Arsenal linked with Mac Allister

Spanish outlet AS claim Arsenal are considering a move for Mac Allister, with Tottenham and Atletico Madrid also said to be interested.

Mac Allister is yet to return to Brighton after celebrating Argentina's World Cup win with his teammates in Buenos Aires.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup round of 16 clash with Charlton, Brighton boss De Zerbi was full of praise for Mac Allister but admitted he was unsure when he would return to the club.

"Alexis can play anywhere on the pitch. I don't know if he's better as a playmaker or 20 metres further forward," De Zerbi told The Athletic.

"I'd like to speak to him when he comes back. I like him a lot in the other position [deeper]. I spoke with his father [Carlos] the other day and he told me he prefers the Argentina position, but in that position we have [Adam] Lallana and Lallana is a teacher.

"If a team wants to become big, the quality needs to be further back. For me the midfielder can play on the defensive line, because he's bringing more quality.

"Messi and Mac Allister speak the same [football] language and Messi understands very well the quality of Alexis.

"If you watch the game, Messi was looking for Alexis lots of times and they made a lot of passes to each other. Alexis was always giving back to Messi a clean pass."

Mac Allister is expected to be given a two-week break by De Zerbi and will miss the match against Charlton and Brighton's Boxing Day Premier League fixture against Southampton.

He could return to first-team duties in time to face one of the clubs that has been linked with him, Arsenal, on December 31.

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