Aгѕenal told when to complete Mitoma tгanѕfeг afteг Bгighton make £30m deciѕion
Kaoru Mitoma appears to be on his way out of Brighton in a future transfer window, despite considerable interest from Chelsea and Arsenal.
Following an impressive 2022/23 season on the south coast, Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma has sparked significant transfer interest. The Japan international was signed from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale for just £2.7 million in 2021, making him the Seagulls’ newest find.
Mitoma has 10 goals and seven assists in 34 games across all competitions, and has thus been a driving force behind Brighton’s unexpected bid for European football. As a result, both Chelsea and Arsenal have expressed an interest in bringing the 25-year-old to London.
Brighton are no strangers to fellow English teams after their players, and CEO Paul Barber has stated that he is prepared to turn down £50 million-rated winger offers in the summer.
Last month, he noted on The Beautiful Game podcast, “Obviously he’s [Mitoma] another player that will be in the spotlight in the next transfer window.”We’re prepared for it and understand it; we just hope he has a strong second half of the season. We’re incredibly lucky in terms of finances because we’re not a club that has to sell players to exist.”
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi appears to be expecting strong interest in Mitoma this summer, although his attitude on an impending exit has been made clear. Earlier this month, at an open training session, teenage supporters were given the opportunity to question De Zerbi, with one fan asking him whether he wanted to be Mitoma.
“Yes, because he is very fast,” De Zerbi said. “I spoke with Mitoma at the end of the session.” ‘How are you?’ I inquire. ‘Listen, we need to improve in some football scenarios,’ I remarked. ‘OK, coach,’ he said. ‘Yes, but we have a lot of time this year and next year!’ I replied.
Then, with a wry smile, De Zerbi turned to face the journalists in the room and remarked, “OK. But do you get it? ‘Yes. “Yes, I understand,” he replied.”
De Zerbi has once again expressed his thoughts on Mitoma’s future, this time with a clear warning to any interested clubs about when they can sign the winger. He stated ahead of the Premier League match against Wolves, “He needs to stay here one more year, for him and for us.”
Replacements are normally chosen well in advance, as Brighton is likely well aware of teams making their players transfer targets. When Moises Caicedo was rumored to be leaving in January, the Seagulls signed AIK midfielder Yasin Ayari for £5.3 million.
With Fabrizio Romano stating that Brighton are closing in on the acquisition of Joao Pedro from Watford, a prospective replacement for Mitoma appears to be on the verge of completion.
