According to a report by Football London on Wednesday October 21, 2026, Chelsea have joined Galatasaray in the race to sign Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yasin Ayari, with talks over a new deal reported to have stalled and left the player's future at the Seagulls in doubt.

The 23-year-old Sweden international has emerged as an influential figure under new Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, and has attracted the interest of a number of clubs ahead of the incoming transfer windows.

Ayari's current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, although Brighton do have an option to extend his deal by another 12 months - which they have yet to exercise despite the player's representatives' expectations.

Discussions over a revised contract, which are said to have begun before the summer, have proven complicated, with potential suitors watching developments closely. Chelsea are among those considering a move, as they look to reinforce their midfield in the coming windows.

Ayari is a name that is familiar to Chelsea sporting director Paul Winstanley, who was in charge of Brighton's scouting department prior to his departure in November 2022. He was one of the key figures behind the Seagulls' interest in Ayari, and continues to keep track of his progress.

Brighton and Chelsea have enjoyed good recruitment ties in recent seasons, with several players, including Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro, moving from the south coast club to Stamford Bridge. The two sides also remain linked by the recent move of Danny Welbeck from one to the other.

However, Chelsea may find themselves up against stiff competition in the race for Ayari's signature, with a number of Premier League sides said to be keeping a close eye on his situation. There is also the potential for European suitors to come into the frame.

Galatasaray, in particular, would be interested in Ayari having been one of the clubs to show an interest in him during the previous summer window. They are expected to keep track of the situation in order to see if they can intervene if things reach a deadlock in Brighton.The Istanbul outfit have also been keeping an eye on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, but Ayari would be a more youthful and cheaper option for them to consider. Saudi Pro League clubs have also been asking about the midfielder's situation, and his recent displays in England have attracted increased attention from outside the UK.

Ayari has contributed two assists in Brighton's first six league games of the campaign, as they continue to impress under Hurzeler. He has been an important figure in their midfield, and has added a creative influence to their forward line.

Brighton will be looking to hold on to one of their most influential players, needing to retain key figures as they look to mount an unlikely challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

They may not have long to make a decision, however, as the uncertainty over Ayari's future had led to speculation that the midfielder may be looking to move on.

Exercising the option on Ayari's contract would allow Brighton to keep him at least until the end of the next season, which would buy them some time. However, their next move may be crucial as Chelsea, Galatasaray and others continue to observe the situation.