Chelsea and Arsenal are linked with Kaoru Mitoma, with Brighton signing his replacement
According to Football.London, London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal are linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion Kaoru Mitoma ahead of the summer transfer window.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano (h/t Football.London) has confirmed that the Seagulls have secured a deal with Watford to sign young Brazilian forward Joao Pedro for a fee of around £30m. The 21-year-old is a versatile player who can play as a left winger or a number nine.
We all know where Mitoma is at its best – left wing. The Japan international has had a magnificent first season with Brighton. He signed for them in the summer of 2021 itself, but went on loan to Union SG for the course of last season.
The 25-year-old has got 10 goals and seven assists in 33 appearances in all competitions so far. More than the numbers, he has added technical quality, dribbling mastery and much more down that left-hand side. He has terrorised some of the best right-backs in this league.
Arsenal have already signed a Brighton forward in the recent past when they agreed to get Leandro Trossard for a deal of around £27m.
We all know how much business Chelsea have done with the Seagulls. From getting Marc Cucurella last summer to getting Graham Potter and his staff in September, there is a clear line of communication between the two teams. Not to mention, Levi Colwill is on loan at Brighton until the summer.
While Mitoma is a quality player who is expected to get better in the coming seasons, it makes no sense for the Blues to be in a transfer race for him.
The club has spent big on the left-wing department by signing Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk in the summer and winter window respectively. Christopher Nkunku, who can play there, is arriving this summer as well.
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So, if they are looking to boost the forward line, getting a striker is a must.