Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a summer move for Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma after his impressive debut season in the Premier League.
Mitoma has been one of many eye-catching performers at the AMEX Stadium this season after becoming a regular under Roberto De Zerbi. The Japan international has scored ten goals and assisted a further seven for the Seagulls this term, resulting in him being on the top of many clubs' transfer watchlist.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea are said to be keen on bolstering their forward options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Brighton aren't expected to roll over easily regarding the 25-year-old, though, but their stance may be slightly looser now.
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Brighton, who are hoping to qualify for European football for the first time in their history this season, have already secured their first signing of the summer and it could hint at Mitoma's future. The Seagulls have confirmed the signing of Watford striker Joao Pedro for a club-record fee of £30million.
Pedro will move to Brighton at the end of the season, ending his two-and-a-half stay with Watford. His arrival will further bolster De Zerbi's attacking options, with eight forwards already at the club.
The Brazilian's transfer could mean Mitoma's chances of being allowed to leave in the summer have drastically increased. Brighton chief Paul Barber has already insisted the club are prepared for the strong interest from Europe's top clubs, with Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo also linked with a move.
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."
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