Brighton eye Boca wonderkid Leonel Flores as Riquelme stands firm

Brighton & Hove Albion have added Boca Juniors youngster Leonel Flores to their list of transfer targets as the Seagulls continue their search for South America's brightest emerging talents.

According to El Crack Deportivo, Brighton are monitoring the highly-rated forward, although Boca have no intention of selling one of their newest first-team breakthroughs unless they receive a significant offer.

The interest follows reports linking Brighton with another Boca academy prospect, Tomás Aranda.

Brighton's recruitment team have built a reputation for identifying elite young talent before their value explodes, and Flores appears to fit that strategy perfectly.

The 19-year-old has only recently broken into Boca's senior squad but has already attracted attention following an impressive rise through the club's academy.

Despite Brighton's interest, Boca president Juan Román Riquelme is reportedly determined to retain the youngster unless the Premier League club submit an offer too good to refuse.

Flores has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough after starring for Boca's reserve side.

The versatile attacker scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 51 appearances before earning promotion to the senior squad.

He has continued that momentum by scoring once in his first three first-team matches, including a goal on his debut against Sarmiento in the Copa Argentina.

The teenager also impressed in the Copa Sudamericana against O'Higgins, earning a standing ovation from Boca supporters after his performance.

Flores signed his first professional contract with Boca last year and remains tied to the Argentine giants until December 2029.

That long-term deal leaves Boca under little pressure to negotiate, with Riquelme determined to continue the club's tradition of developing academy talent before considering a sale.

World Cup winner Leandro Paredes has also praised Flores publicly, describing him as one of Boca's standout young prospects.

Brighton's interest underlines the club's continued focus on recruiting elite young players from South America before they become established stars. However, Boca Juniors' firm stance means any attempt to sign Flores is likely to require a substantial offer if negotiations are to progress.

Brighton are expected to continue monitoring Flores' development before deciding whether to make a formal offer. Boca remain confident they can retain one of their brightest academy graduates unless their valuation is met.