Chelsea's American owners have been described by Brighton CEO Paul Barber as his best customers, having signed Marc Cucurella — now completing his move to Real Madrid — as well as Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez and numerous backroom figures including Paul Winstanley and Sam Jewell from the Sussex club. Sporting director David Weir also came from Brighton and now holds the same role at Strasbourg, who have already acquired Julio Enciso and Valentín Barco from the Seagulls in recent years.
Cozier-Duberry, 21, is a right winger who has come through the Arsenal and Brighton academies. He spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, scoring 10 goals across 41 appearances in all competitions as the club won promotion from League One via the play-offs, earning a nomination for EFL League One Young Player of the Season in the process.
He joined Brighton from Arsenal on a free transfer in 2024 and signed a four-year deal, giving the Seagulls a strong negotiating position.
Relegated West Ham United are also interested in the player, viewed as a potential replacement for Jarrod Bowen should the captain leave the London Stadium this summer.
Brighton have offered Cozier-Duberry a new contract and are reluctant to part with one of their more promising young assets, creating a three-way situation in which the player must weigh up whether his best path to regular senior football lies at the Amex, in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg, or in the Championship with West Ham.