Arsenal
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Arsenal have identified Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma as a potential summer transfer target as they look to strengthen their attacking options, according to reports from respected journalist Florian Plettenberg.
While the Gunners are widely expected to prioritise signing a new striker ahead of next season, manager Mikel Arteta is also keen to bring in another winger to provide quality and depth to his frontline. Arsenal’s interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been well documented, but concerns over the Brazilian’s wage demands have prompted the club to consider alternative targets.
Mitoma, 28, has now emerged as a serious option and has been added to the club’s shortlist. However, Arsenal face strong competition from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who are currently leading the race for the Japan international’s signature.
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Bayern are believed to have stepped up their pursuit of Mitoma after missing out on Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who is expected to join Liverpool in a record-breaking deal.
Karou Mitoma
Kaoru Mitoma (Image credit Getty Images)
Sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund reportedly met with Mitoma’s representatives this week and were encouraged by his openness to a move to Germany. Brighton are expected to demand around €50 million (£42 million) for the winger.
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Whether Mitoma would be equally open to joining Arsenal remains unclear, though the opportunity to continue playing in the Premier League could work in the Gunners’ favour.
Interestingly, both Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also been linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leão. Milan have recently lowered their asking price for the Portuguese star, which has further intensified the competition between the two European giants. Leão, however, is expected to command a higher fee than Mitoma.
Arsenal’s recruitment team, led by Andrea Berta, are now carefully weighing their options as they prepare for a summer rebuild aimed at finally ending their wait for silverware.
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