Roberto De Zerbi has spelt out the recruitment challenge facing Albion this summer.

The head coach wants his squad to be stronger next season as they look to back-up another top-half finish.

But he thinks they will lose “some important players” in the coming months.

Albion have secured the services of Watford forward Joao Pedro for a club record fee.

They are heading into the end of the current campaign with an injury-hit squad and transfer speculation around star players, notably Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.

But they have made an early start to their summer business with Joao Pedro’s arrival.

Head coach De Zerbi said: “I spoke with him one month ago.

“I'm really pleased to work with him next year.

"It's not my job to speak about money, but I think Joao Pedro can be a top player for us.

"He is a young player and there is a right player for us. I think it's a good deal for Brighton.

“I don't know about next season, but if you want to improve your team you have to decide before to understand the next season.

"I think we will lose some important players and we have to be ready to start stronger than this season. And Joao Pedro is very important, senior."

Albion look to pish for a European place as they go to Arsenal tomorrow.

Adam Webster and Solly March have been ruled out while De Zerbi appears resigned to completing the campaign without Jeremy Sarmiento and Adam Lallana.

But Evan Ferguson is fit to start after his lively second-half outing in the 5-1 defeat by Everton.

And there appears to be a chance Joel Veltman could return from injury.