Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Kaoru Mitoma ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Brighton star impressing in his debut Premier League season. The Japan international has been in impressive form since bursting into the first-team, replacing Leandro Trossard on the left wing after he left to join Arsenal.
Mitoma's dribbling ability has been the forefront of what has captured the eye for most, causing plenty of trouble for opposition defenders. While there has been interest in the 25-year-old, Brighton chief Paul Barber has insisted the focus is on the remainder of the current season.
He told The Beautiful Game podcast back in March: "Obviously he's [Mitoma] another player that will be in the spotlight in the next transfer window. We're ready for that and we understand that, we just hope he can have a great second half of the season."
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola agrees with Gary Neville after making clear Arsenal Champions League point
Whether being ready for potential approaches means having a figure in mind for a sale or batting anyway any offers remains to be seen. However, the Seagulls may well have shown their hand with their latest piece of transfer business ahead of the upcoming summer window.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton have already secured the transfer of Joao Pedro from Watford on a deal worth up to £30million. The deal is said to be signed already, with the Brazilian forward showing plenty of promise in his short time in English football.
The 21-year-old can play on the left-wing as well as a centre-forward, offering plenty of versatility for a Brighton side that is well known for their ability to change around. It could then free up the possibility of a switch away for Mitoma, with the Seagulls often one step ahead in their recruitment plan.
READ NEXT:
Edu urged to complete £70m Arsenal transfer and sign Thomas Partey 'upgrade'
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke confirmed to land £35m windfall after Man City defeat
Mikel Arteta's Jakub Kiwior decision shows where Arsenal must improve amid Man City gap claim
Latest Arsenal injury news as three miss Chelsea with William Saliba update
Mikel Arteta has four Arsenal team changes for Chelsea that must be made to revive title form
