Brighton & Hove Albion appear to be at the forefront of the race to secure the signature of Stefanos Tzimas this summer, as reported by The Hard Tackle. The forward, currently on loan at FC Nuremberg, has garnered interest from several clubs, including Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. Nuremberg is said to be seeking a fee of €25 million, plus bonuses, for a permanent transfer.
Tzimas has made a notable impact during his loan spell in the 2.Bundesliga, netting ten goals this season. However, despite his contributions, Nuremberg is facing challenges in their bid for promotion, complicating the club's decisions regarding the player's future. This predicament has led Nuremberg to contemplate exercising their option to buy Tzimas from his parent club, PAOK Thessaloniki, for a fee of €18 million. While this option indicates a potential market for the talented forward, the club seems inclined to pursue a more lucrative transfer agreement.
Interest in Tzimas has also emerged from Premier League heavyweights such as Liverpool, alongside ongoing links to Manchester United. Nevertheless, Brighton is now viewed as the frontrunner for the 25-year-old forward, who reportedly favours a move to the Seagulls. A significant factor in this potential transfer is Fabian Hurzelar, who has maintained communication with Tzimas and is believed to be influencing the striker's preference for Brighton.
Although a transfer agreement has yet to be finalised, it is anticipated that the deal may come to fruition in the summer, contingent on Brighton's willingness to meet Nuremberg's financial expectations. The German club is unlikely to lower their asking price, particularly given their obligation of €18 million to secure Tzimas on a permanent basis.
While Brighton seems to be ahead in the pursuit of Tzimas, they face stiff competition from Tottenham and Aston Villa. Spurs are actively searching for a new striker and have reportedly been exploring other options, including Yoanne Wissa and Mathys Tel. Tzimas represents a promising opportunity to bolster their attacking options, especially considering Tottenham's financial resources.
Aston Villa, too, is in the market for a forward following the unexpected departure of Jhon Duran, compounded by interest in Ollie Watkins from Arsenal. While Tzimas could be a viable target for Villa, the club may exercise caution regarding overspending, which could inadvertently provide Brighton with a competitive edge in this transfer pursuit.