Newcastle are reportedly keeping Ayari under consideration ahead of a possible summer move. The 21-year-old has established himself at Brighton and is viewed as a midfielder capable of contributing in possession, working defensively and adding creativity from the centre of the pitch.
O’Rourke said Howe would want a player who could “hit the ground running”, adding that Ayari fits that profile. His reported performances for Sweden at the World Cup have also strengthened his reputation, with O’Rourke saying he has “done a good job with Sweden at the World Cup”.
There is no indication that a deal is close, and the situation appears dependent on Tonali’s future at Newcastle. If the Italy international departs, Ayari could emerge as one of the names considered to help fill the gap.
Ayari’s appeal lies in his combination of youth and experience. Newcastle would be looking at a player with room to develop, but one who has already had exposure to the demands of the Premier League and international football.
Brighton, however, are unlikely to make negotiations straightforward. Ayari is understood to be part of their long-term plans, meaning Newcastle would reportedly need to offer a premium to persuade the club to sell. Brighton also have little incentive to weaken their midfield by losing a young player whose influence is still growing.
Newcastle’s interest is likely to depend on Tonali’s situation and Howe’s assessment of the midfield options already available to him. For now, Ayari is a reported target rather than an imminent signing.
His profile explains the attraction, but Brighton’s stance could prove decisive. The longer Ayari remains central to their plans, the more difficult it may be for Newcastle to turn monitoring into a formal approach.