According to Fichajes, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Brighton’s Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma but he’s also coveted the two Manchester clubs.
Brighton had brought Mitoma from Kawasaki Frontale for a fee of €3 million and last season, the winger had a stellar campaign with the Seagulls. In 41 appearances for the club he had netted 10 goals along with 7 assists and he was one of the most talked about forwards last time around.
It’s hardly a surprise that Arsenal, Man United and also Manchester City are interested in the 26-year-old and as per some rumours, Brighton will be ready to cash in on the winger if a club is ready to pay at least €60 million for him. He had signed a new deal with the club last year and his current market value is around €45 million so the Seagulls’ demands are very much justified.
Should clubs be willing to pay €60 million for Kaoru Mitoma?
Last season, Kaoru Mitoma was the talk of the town and before the 23/24 season had begun €60 million would have been a bargain for him. However, this campaign, the winger has seen a major dip in form as he’s managed to score only eight goal contributions in 26 appearances.
Injuries have halted his progress and this season, Mitoma has already missed 23 games for Brighton. Currently, he is out with a back injury for two months and he’s only expected to make a comeback towards the end of May.
Unless there’s a speedy recovery, Kaoru Mitoma is going to miss the remainder of the season due to this injury but he’s someone who is very easily worth €60 million. One bad season might have hampered his progress but he’s supremely talented and worth every penny that Brighton are demanding for him.
Amongst the three interested clubs, Manchester United are perhaps the least interested in signing Kaoru Mitoma because they already have Garnacho and Rashford who play out on the left but for Arsenal and Man City, the Japanese international seems a very logical target.
Man City are planning to sell Jack Grealish in the summer while Mikel Arteta wants to add competition on the left wing because neither Martinelli nor Trossard have been exceptional this season. Brighton will be hoping that these three teams start a bidding war for Kaoru Mitoma but paying anything more than €60-65 million will be utter foolishness. The 26-year-old is a wonderful player but he’s definitely not worth more than €70 million.
