Chelsea and Manchester United are both interested in 26-year-old Japanese international Kaoru Mitoma, a target for Barcelona.
As reported by Fichajes, Chelsea and Manchester United are both keen on having Kaoru Mitoma in their ranks. The 26-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion winger has been a sensation in the Premier League, and multiple top clubs from across Europe, including Barcelona, are after his signatures. Meanwhile, the player will cost around €60 million.
Mitoma’s Impact at Brighton & Hove Albion
Kaoru Mitoma joined Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and has not looked back since. He has featured in a total of 66 matches for the Seagulls and has even contributed towards 27 goals.
He took the world by storm in his very first season with the English club. The Japanese international contributed towards 18 goals last season. While he has not been that consistent this time out, he still has nine goal contributions with quite a few matches to go.
Mitoma’s impressive performances have attracted a lot of attention. While his contract with Brighton runs until the summer of 2027, there is a real possibility of him parting ways in the summer.
Ibrahim Osman’s arrival: A boost for Manchester United & Chelsea
The Seagulls have recently completed the signing of Ibrahim Osman from Nordsjaelland. The 19-year-old left winger will be making the move to the Seagulls in the summer. His arrival is a big boost for clubs that are interested in the services of Mitoma.
With Osman joining the club in the summer, Brighton could now start considering offers for their 26-year-old winger. While reports suggest that they are willing to let the Japanese international leave, that will only happen for a substantial fee, something around €60 million could be enough to land him.
Manchester United and Chelsea are willing to battle it out for his services. Both clubs are in need of attacking reinforcement. While they do have world-class wingers in their ranks, they have not been performing on a consistent basis. As a result, they are considering making a move for Mitoma, who has proven himself in the English top flight over the last two seasons.
Barcelona have an uphill battle for his signatures
But, Chelsea and Manchester United are not the only clubs interested, as Barcelona are also keen on having him in their ranks. The Catalan giants were looking to use Ansu Fati as a bargaining chip in a possible agreement. But with the Seagulls signing Osman, that might not work any longer.
Fati has not done enough while on loan at Brighton, and he will return to Barcelona in the summer. Given the kind of financial situation the Catalan giants are in, a deal for Mitoma worth around €60 million looks quite challenging for them.
