Winners and losers from Kaoru Mitoma to Arsenal transfer with Ethan Nwaneri blow and Declan Rice boost

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Arsenal are wasting no time in the transfer market as Kaoru Mitoma becomes the latest target to be linked with the North London club.

The Gunners are clearly keen to improve their forward ranks, with Andrea Berta shortlisting plenty of options for the coming summer transfer window.

While a centre-forward is a clear priority, so too are the wide positions, as Mikel Arteta needs some other scoring options in his Arsenal side.

Several names have been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, though the latest development has seen Arsenal show transfer interest in Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton.

With a potential move on the cards, here’s a look at the potential winners and losers from Mitoma to Arsenal.

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Winners from Kaoru Mitoma’s potential transfer to Arsenal

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has found a regular place in the side at left-back since making his debut for the senior side.

The Hale End academy graduate has impressed since taking the step up, with his role being a unique one in the side.

Lewis-Skelly often inverts into the midfield, helping to create a stable base for possession within the team as a whole.

That requires a left-winger who is capable of working in an isolated situation, without the usual overlapping or underlapping runs expected of a full-back to support them.

Mitoma could fit that role well, keeping the width and helping the team progress through his quality dribbling.

Declan Rice

Declan Rice is set for another huge season ahead at Arsenal, following an already successful campaign with the club.

The midfielder has thrived in a more advanced role, and with the signing of Martin Zubimendi, the England international is set for even more freedom.

This would likely come on the left side of midfield, which could see him link up with Mitoma on a regular basis.

The pair could work quite well in setting each other up, creating plenty of threat for the opposition.

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Mikel Arteta

The clearest winner from all of this would be Mikel Arteta, with the Arsenal boss finally given another forward option in his team.

It’s no mystery that the Spaniard enjoys having several tactical options available to him, with Mitoma offering something different to his side moving forward.

Losers from Kaoru Mitoma’s potential transfer to Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli has endured a mixed 2024/25 campaign, with his struggles at times causing concern for the left-wing position.

The Brazilian has managed to find some form towards the back end of the season, something he will want to take into the next one.

That may be challenging, however, if he is faced with the arrival of Mitoma over the next few weeks.

With Martinelli’s new contract talks currently on the table, it may well bring questions over his future.

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Leandro Trossard

Another player who faces a battle for his future in the side is Leandro Trossard, who is in contract talks with Arsenal over an extension.

The versatile star has largely played as a left-winger for the Gunners, but may struggle to get many minutes if Mitoma and others are ahead of him in the pecking order.

Ethan Nwaneri

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri has enjoyed a breakout season for the side, but could find a difficult challenge ahead of him.

With a return to fitness for the stars occupying the forward line, along with some potential arrivals in the market, there may be fewer minutes up for grabs.

That could well impact his development, though there are plenty of years ahead of him in his career.