Chelsea have a habit of raiding Brighton when it comes to strengthening their squad, with several familiar faces making the move from the south coast to Stamford Bridge in recent years.
The Blues have already spent significant sums recruiting from the Seagulls, with the likes of Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro all arriving after impressing at the Amex Stadium.
However, with Chelsea continuing to assess their options ahead of future transfer windows, another raid on their Premier League rivals could be on the cards.
Chelsea interested in signing Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have joined Galatasaray in monitoring Yasin Ayari's situation, with negotiations over a new contract between the midfielder and Brighton having stalled.
The 23-year-old Sweden international has become an increasingly important figure under Fabian Hurzeler, registering two assists in Brighton's opening six Premier League matches this season.
Ayari's current deal expires at the end of the campaign, although the Seagulls hold an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months. That clause has yet to be activated, despite expectations from the player's camp that the club would exercise it.
Chelsea are understood to be keeping a close eye on developments, with sporting director Paul Winstanley particularly familiar with the midfielder after previously working as Brighton's head of scouting.
The Blues are not alone in their interest, however, with several Premier League clubs monitoring the situation and Galatasaray continuing to explore the possibility of securing his signature.
Chelsea could repeat familiar transfer strategy
Ayari's potential availability would represent an intriguing opportunity for Chelsea, particularly given the midfielder's age and growing influence in the Premier League.
The Swedish international offers energy, technical ability and versatility in the centre of the pitch, qualities that could appeal to a club continuing to build for the future.
His development has been particularly impressive after loan spells with Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers, with the midfielder establishing himself as a regular first-team option on the south coast.
Brighton, meanwhile, will be desperate to avoid losing another important player amid growing interest from their Premier League rivals. Hurzeler has made no secret of his desire to keep the midfielder, previously expressing his hope that they could continue working together for longer.
Chelsea have already demonstrated their willingness to invest heavily in players who have impressed at the Amex, but Ayari's contract situation could make this a different kind of opportunity.
Much will depend on whether Brighton can reach an agreement over fresh terms, and the club still have the option of extending his existing deal.
For now, there is no indication that Chelsea have made a formal offer. However, with negotiations yet to reach a breakthrough, the Blues appear well placed to monitor a situation that could become increasingly interesting in the coming months.
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