Arsenal appears to be taking the lead in the race to secure the services of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Kaoru Mitoma, surpassing competition from Manchester United and Manchester City, according to recent reports.
Mikel Arteta has been proactive in pursuing the Japanese international, viewing Mitoma as a potential key addition to address Arsenal’s needs, especially when facing formidable opponents like City and Liverpool.
The Arsenal manager has identified Mitoma’s impressive performances since becoming a regular starter for Brighton in 2022 as a valuable asset for the team. This strategic move comes at a time when Gabriel Martinelli has faced challenges, managing to score only two Premier League goals in the current season after a standout performance in the 2022/23 season.
Mitoma could follow in the footsteps of previous Brighton players, including Ben White and Leandro Trossard, who made notable transfers to Big Six clubs, with both joining Arsenal.
However, any potential deal is unlikely to materialize during the January transfer window. Brighton’s manager, Roberto de Zerbi, is reportedly reluctant to part ways with a key player mid-season.
Historically, Brighton has demonstrated a cautious approach to selling their top-performing players, doing so only when the timing and transfer fee align with their expectations.
The club is believed to set a minimum asking price of £70 million for Mitoma. Negotiations, if they occur, are more likely to take place in the summer, allowing Arsenal the opportunity to engage in discussions for the 26-year-old striker.
The pursuit of Mitoma underscores Arsenal’s commitment to strengthening their squad and addressing specific needs identified by Arteta.
The competition from other top clubs signals the recognition of Mitoma’s talent and potential impact in the Premier League. As the summer transfer window approaches, the dynamics of negotiations and the willingness of both clubs to reach an agreement will play a pivotal role in determining Mitoma’s future and his potential move to Arsenal.
