Bristol City in competition with Blackburn Rovers for signature of Arsenal right-back

Bristol City are reportedly in competition with their Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers to sign Arsenal starlet Ryan Alebiosu.

Alebiosu had twice been on the bench for the Gunners first-team this season before spending the second part of the season on loan at Crewe Alexandra.

Now the 20-year-old could find himself playing up a higher level with Blackburn interested, as well as City, who are both in the market for the youngster.

A report from Football Insider, who yesterday broke the news of Mark Sykes’ medical say that the two clubs are at the top of the list to win Alebiosu’s signature.

Arsenal are willing to listen to any offers for the youngster, whether it is a loan move or permanent, as they look to move him off of their books.

Blackburn are on the lookout for a new manager after mutually agreeing with Tony Mowbray to part ways, so transfer negotiations may not be a priority to them now as his successor may have his own ideas.

As City have Nigel Pearson firmly in the hot seat, they might steal a march on the Lancashire club as they would be able to sell a plan to him and explain their intentions on how they would manage him.

Alebiosu can play as a right-back or as on the right-wing, which would be of use to City who are in the market for defenders, given the likes of Alex Scott and Ayman Benarous had to deputise their last season.

City’s newest arrival Sykes’ is predominantly a right-sided winger but can play in central midfield, which would mean Alebiosu’s role would be more defensive should they be successful in their pursuit.

He made six appearances during his time at Crewe, who were relegated from League One, after finishing bottom. His time with the Railwaymen was impacted when he suffered a muscle injury that had him sidelined for two months.

That was his time away from the North London club having been in their academy since 2010, becoming a professional player in 2020. At Under-23’s level, he got seven assists and one goal, appearing in the EFL Trophy and the Premier League 2.

Alebiosu is not the only right-sided defender to be linked to the club with Forest Green Rovers right-back Kane Wilson reportedly in talks over a potential move.

Wilson was named the Player of the Year for League Two in the EFL Awards, pipping players like Dominic Telford and teammate Matty Stevens, who netted 23 goals in their league title triumph.

The 22-year-old got 13 assists and three goals in his role as a right-sided defender, but his contract is up with the Nailsworth club.

Forest Green have already lost their manager Rob Edwards to City’s Championship rivals next year Watford, as well as Ebou Adams to Severnside rivals Cardiff City.