Brighton receive first Facundo Buonanotte offer as Elche make move

Brighton & Hove Albion have received their first formal offer for Facundo Buonanotte this summer after La Liga side Elche submitted a proposal to sign the Argentine midfielder on loan.

According to journalist Germán García Grova, Elche have offered to take the 21-year-old on a 12-month loan following his return to Brighton after a temporary spell at Leeds United.

The approach makes Elche the first club to present a concrete offer, adding a European option to an increasingly competitive race for the attacking midfielder.

Interest in Buonanotte has intensified over recent weeks, particularly from Argentina.

River Plate have been regarded as the leading contenders after opening discussions over a possible loan move, while Rosario Central, where the midfielder began his career, have also expressed interest.

Boca Juniors entered the race more recently after reports claimed head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena had identified Buonanotte as a transfer target.

Elche's proposal now gives Brighton an alternative to consider as they evaluate the best environment for the youngster's development.

Buonanotte has struggled to establish himself over the past year despite spending time away from the Amex Stadium.

His loan spell at Chelsea failed to provide the regular opportunities he had hoped for, while another temporary move to Leeds United also did not lead to consistent first-team football.

As a result, another loan move has increasingly emerged as the most likely solution for both player and club.

Brighton must now decide whether Buonanotte would benefit more from remaining in European football or returning to his homeland.

A move to Elche would allow the Argentina youth international to continue developing in La Liga, while interest from River Plate, Boca Juniors and Rosario Central offers the opportunity to rediscover his form in familiar surroundings.

For now, Elche are the first club to place an official proposal before Brighton, with competition for the midfielder expected to continue.

Brighton are expected to assess Elche's proposal while continuing discussions with other interested clubs. With strong interest from both Spain and Argentina, Buonanotte's next destination is likely to depend on which move the Seagulls believe offers the best pathway for his long-term development.