Arsenal are reportedly planning another swoop on Premier League counterparts Brighton & Hove Albion this summer with Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma attracting interest from the league leaders.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside, the Gunners have the Seagulls star on their radar, having signed winger Leandro Trossard from the south coast outfit last month as well as defender Ben White in 2021.
Romano also states that it is expected clubs will have to fork out at least £35million if they are to secure the 25-year-old wide man's signature this summer.
READ MORE: Why Gabriel Martinelli got angry at Eddie Nketiah as Mikel Arteta sends message to Arsenal team
Mitoma, who joined the Seagulls for £2.7million in 2021, has been in sparkling form this term, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.
Additionally, the Japan international has netted in each of his last three appearances, including late winners in the FA Cup to eliminate holders Liverpool, and in the Premier League against Bournemouth with Roberto De Zerbi's side climbing up to sixth in the top-flight standings.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be familiar with the winger's abilities given the two goals scored by the 25-year-old against the Spaniard's side this campaign. Mitoma registered efforts in Brighton's 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at the Emirates Stadium in September as well as in their 4-2 Premier League defeat at the Amex Stadium on New Year's Eve.
The Sussex club have already sanctioned two major transfers to the current Premier League leaders having sold White for £50million one-and-a-half years ago as well as Trossard last month for a fee believed to be around £27million.
Moreover, the north London outfit withheld very strong interest in midfielder Moises Caicedo with Albion holding firm enough to maintain the Columbian's services for the remainder of the current campaign at least.
Having seen Mitoma score another decisive, late goal against fellow south coast outfit Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, De Zerbi reserved strong praise for his winger, admitting: "For Mitoma, he didn't play the best game of his life but Mitoma can always score. I can never substitute him because I felt during the game he could score."
The Seagulls have shown before that they are not afraid of holding firm when attempting to keep their most valuable assets and it certainly feels as though the same will apply with Mitoma this summer, especially if his current form is prolonged.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal player ratings vs Everton as Martin Odegaard and Ben White poor but Gabriel shines
Everton vs Arsenal highlights: Tarkowski hands Sean Dyche dream start amid Gunners title blow
Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown agree on crucial Arsenal star amid Mikel Arteta claim
Arsenal given major contract boost as Gabriel Martinelli signs new long-term deal
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
