Arsenal’s hopes of pursuing Kaoru Mitoma have been dealt a massive blow as Brighton & Hove are close to agreeing to a new long-term contract with the winger.
Alex Crook on talkSPORT has suggested that Kaoru Mitoma is close to agreeing on a new long-term deal with Brighton & Hove Albion in the coming days. The news will be a bitter blow for some of the clubs keen on the 26-year-old Japanese winger, including Arsenal.
It has been a bit surprising that not many top clubs have pursued Kaoru Mitoma with vigour after an exceptional season with Brighton & Hove Albion. Going by market rate, he would have fetched the Seagulls a massive fee had they opened the doors for a sale.
Manchester City were one of the sides keen on the winger alongside others possibly. Yet, no club came forward strongly with an approach as they resorted to fruitless enquiries. Maybe Brighton had closed the doors early on for clubs as Roberto De Zerbi considers him a crucial part of his plans.
Arsenal were also interested after the January transfer window ended. Mikel Arteta pondered making attacking signings in the current window. They might have hoped to wait longer in the window and create an approach now or later, but their hopes have been now dealt a bitter blow.
🚨 Kaoru Mitoma is close to signing a new long-term contract at Brighton! He has been subject of interest from multiple clubs including Bayern and Arsenal.
[@alex_crook] 🥇#bhafc pic.twitter.com/d0o1lbwd0b
— Brighton Bubble (@BrightonBubble) August 13, 2023
As per Alex Crook, Mitoma is now close to signing a new long-term deal with Brighton to continue his career at the club. It is a massive news for the Seagulls and De Zerbi to count on the player, unlike someone like Moises Caicedo, who remains embroiled in a transfer saga involving Liverpool and Chelsea.
In any case, Brighton have made considerable sales in this window to even think about selling another one of their star men. Mitoma has started the Premier League season finely, providing the assist for their opening goal against Luton Town.
The new contract will please De Zerbi, and now the manager can build a team around the 26-year-old winger for the upcoming season and beyond. As for Arsenal, they were looking at Mitoma from a distance, but now that door could only open with a smashing offer from the Gunners in the next window or beyond.
