Earlier on Thursday, we relayed a report from Russia that claimed Spartak Moscow were looking for a replacement for Ze Luis following a recent bid from Brighton and Hove Albion.
It’s no secret the Seagulls were looking to strengthen their attack over the summer, with a €10m bid for Angers’ Karl Toko-Ekambi placed, which was swiftly rejected by the Ligue 1 side.
The player confirmed as much back in November, and also made it clear it was never his intention to leave the club in the summer after everything they did for him.
Well, that hasn’t changed, and following his double in a 2-1 win against Dijon midweek, the 25-year-old reiterated his desire to stay at Angers until the end of the season.
He told Ouest-France: “I’ve never had talks with the board about a move this winter. The only that matters is to save the club. Tonight, I’m not thinking about anything except celebrate this victory”.
Taking all of this into account, Chris Hughton’s recent interest in Ze Luis makes perfect sense.
If he can’t get Karl Toko-Ekambi, a player he was clearly prepared to spend a lot of money on last summer, then move onto the next name on the list.
He might not be as good, or score as many goals, but he’ll certainly provide the depth Brighton need if they want to stay up in the Premier League this season.
