Arsenal are expected to lead the chase for Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Recent reports suggest that Arsenal have made significant progress in their pursuit of the Japanese international, outstripping competition from Manchester United and Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta believes that Mitoma, given his performances since breaking into the Brighton starting eleven in 2022, could be the missing piece of the puzzle to boost Arsenal’s chances, especially against City and Liverpool.
Gabriel Martinelli has had a disappointing season so far after a fantastic performance in 2022/23, scoring just two goals in the Premier League before rounding off Arsenal’s comprehensive win over Crystal Palace with a goal on the break.
Spanish newspaper Fichajes reports that Arsenal are actively chasing Mitoma and have become leaders in the transfer race, with United and City remaining in the hunt. The winger, who contributed heavily to Brighton’s victory, is said to have attracted the attention of the north London club.
Mitoma could follow in the footsteps of other Brighton players who have moved to Big Six clubs, two of whom – Ben White and Leandro Trossard – have joined Arsenal.
However, any transfer is unlikely to take place during the January window as Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is reluctant to part with a key player in the middle of the season.
Brighton’s history shows that they only sell their best players when the timing and transfer fee is in line with their demands. Brighton are said to want at least £70 million for Mitoma and could open negotiations in the summer, but Arsenal are willing to open negotiations for the 26-year-old striker.
Arsenal successfully negotiated with the Seagulls after securing the signatures of Trossard and White, but had more problems trying to get Moises Caicedo to leave the south coast in January 2022.
As Arsenal intensify their pursuit of Kaoru Mitoma, the transfer saga promises to be one to watch in the upcoming summer window.
With competition from Manchester United and Manchester City, Arsenal will be hoping to secure the Japanese winger’s signature to bolster their attacking options ahead of the next campaign. Fans eagerly await updates on negotiations and whether Mitoma will indeed make the move to the Emirates Stadium.