According to Sport Bild, Brighton submitted a concrete inquiry for the 20-year-old Ivory Coast international at the start of May after talks over El Mala collapsed. Brighton were willing to pay around €35 million for the Koln forward, who has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances this season, but Köln are holding out for €50 million.
Touré represents a more attainable target, with Hoffenheim understood to be open to a sale at around €40 million — closer to Brighton's budget.
The Ivorian joined Hoffenheim from Swedish side Hammarby in February 2025 for a reported €10 million fee, signing a contract through to 2029. He has since established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young wide players, contributing five goals and nine assists in 29 league appearances this season.
Sport Bild describe Touré as "technically superior" to El Mala, noting a different profile — more versatile and creative, where El Mala is primarily power and pace.
Brighton are not alone. Liverpool have been monitoring Touré for several months as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, and the Seagulls' formal inquiry is being read as a warning shot to Köln — their patience with El Mala will not last indefinitely.
Any deal for Touré is unlikely to be concluded before the end of the season, with the winger also expected to represent Ivory Coast at the World Cup, which could push negotiations into the summer.