Roberto De Zerbi tells Man Utd, Arsenal when they can sign £70m Brighton dynamo amid incredible campaign
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has revealed when major Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal will be able to sign Kaoru Mitoma amid his brilliant breakout season in England.
Brighton signed Mitoma from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale in August 2021. According to transfermarkt, the Seagulls paid €3million to sign the winger.
Mitoma spent last season on loan at Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in order to gain experience playing in Europe. The left-sided attacker did well but did not light up the Jupiler Pro League. Overall he managed eight goals and four assists in 29 appearances.
Pretty much no one will have been expecting Mitoma to be as influential as he has been this term. He has quite simply been a nightmare for opposition defenders as a result of his pace, dribbling skills and close control. He excels at getting out of tight spaces before either putting a dangerous cross into the box of having a shot at goal.
Mitoma has been one of Brighton’s best players under De Zerbi, having notched 10 goals and seven assists in 33 matches.
The 25-year-old’s top displays have resulted in links with some big teams. Both Man Utd and Arsenal have been backed to submit offers this summer, while Chelsea are also thought to be tracking his situation.
Ahead of Brighton’s match against Wolves, De Zerbi was asked about the growing interest in Mitoma.
The Italian coach admitted Mitoma will eventually depart the Amex, although it will not be happening later this year.
De Zerbi reacts to transfer rumours
“He needs to stay here one more year, for him and for us,” De Zerbi said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Mitoma’s Brighton deal expires in June 2025. This means he will likely be sold by the club next summer, while they can still get a good price for him.
Brighton have previously quoted Mitoma’s potential suitors at £70million, but this price may change depending on his form, fitness and as he gets closer to his contract expiring.
Mitoma would be an excellent addition to any ‘big six’ Prem club. At Brighton he has shown he can cause pretty much any defender issues thanks to his ability and intelligence in the final third.
However, the 15-cap Japan international must choose his next destination carefully. He does not want to go to a club where he will simply warm the bench and provide backup for their current left winger.
Man Utd already have Marcus Rashford, Arsenal can rely on Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea spent a whopping £89m on Mykhaylo Mudryk earlier this year. As a result, Mitoma could snub the ‘big six’ altogether and instead join Newcastle.
Eddie Howe currently plays Joelinton on the left, while Allan Saint-Maximin is getting closer to a Tottenham move. If Howe wants to start using Joelinton in midfield again, then a swoop for Mitoma would make sense.
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