Brighton are keen to keep hold of star winger Kaoru Mitoma this summer, Arsenal Insider understands, following transfer interest from Arsenal.
It comes as the Japanese international has appeared as an option for Andrea Berta, as the sporting director looks to improve on the attacking options currently available.
Arsenal have struggled for goals over the past season, with no Gunners star reaching double figures for Premier League goals for the first time since 1924.
With that in mind, Mikel Arteta is expected to be backed with a new striker option at the Emirates Stadium, along with a versatile winger.
Arsenal’s transfer links with Kaoru Mitoma come as little surprise, then, but Brighton’s own desire to keep the player may well make a deal tough to complete.
- READ MORE: Lionel Messi has already shared his honest thoughts about Andrea Berta’s newest Arsenal target
Arsenal aware of Kaoru Mitoma transfer chance but Brighton stance makes deal tough
As Arsenal look to bolster their attacking ranks this summer, plenty of different links have appeared for potential transfer targets.
For a striker, a transfer tug-of-war between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko is on the cards, with Berta still to pick which one he wants to sign for the Gunners.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo is an indicator of their desire to strengthen out wide.
So too are the links with Mitoma, as Arsenal Insider understands that the club are aware of him as an option in the market.
The Gunners aren’t alone in their interest, as clubs in the Saudi Pro League are eyeing a move, alongside Bayern Munich.
However, Brighton’s insistence on keeping Mitoma could make things difficult, with a high valuation set to make it difficult for Arsenal to strike a deal.
It remains to be seen if things could change in the market to prompt a deal, with the 28-year-old courting plenty of interest.
How Kaoru Mitoma performed in the 2024/25 Premier League season
With Arsenal clearly looking to strengthen their forward areas with quality in depth, Mitoma could help fix some of the problems the side have faced.
The winger has just managed to hit his best goal return in the Premier League, netting double figures for the first time since 2020 in the J1 League.
Mitoma’s dribbling ability makes him difficult to knock off the ball, often causing plenty of problems for the opposition.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 10 | 4 |
The Japanese international will be looking to use that as a base from which to improve, as he enters the peak years of his career.
Whether that is with Brighton, Arsenal or another club, for that matter, is unclear, though.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
