Published: 2 days ago

Arsenal rival Bayern Munich in Kaoru Mitoma chase

Arsenal will reportedly compete with Bayern Munich to sign 28-year-old Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma from fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.

According to an update by reputed German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Kaoru Mitoma is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are scouring the market for a wide attacker heading into the summer transfer window. So, the Brighton & Hove Albion winger has emerged as a target for the North London club.

Kaoru Mitoma and his soaring stock

Andrea Berta is assessing his options heading into the summer transfer window, with Rodrygo the top target for Arsenal. However, the Real Madrid attacker’s wage demands have forced the Premier League club to consider alternatives. Meanwhile, the Gunners face stiff competition from Bayern Munich for the Brighton & Hove Albion winger.

Kaoru Mitoma has risen in prominence since joining Brighton & Hove Albion from Union Saint-Gilloise in June 2022. The 28-year-old winger has come leaps and bounds in the last three years, and he has been a mainstay in the final third for the Premier League club.

The Japanese international has enjoyed another solid campaign, contributing to 15 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions by finding the back of the net 11 times and providing four assists. Meanwhile, Mitoma’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

A man in demand

Kaoru Mitoma has been on Arsenal’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, considering the Gunners have been over-dependent on Bukayo Saka in the final third this season. So, several candidates, including Rodrygo, have emerged on Arsenal’s radar. However, the Real Madrid attacker’s wage demands have forced the North London club to view Mitoma as an alternative.

As for Bayern Munich, Leroy Sane faces an uncertain future at the Allianz Arena after entering the final few weeks of his contract. In addition, Kingsley Coman has blown hot and cold in recent seasons. So, the newly crowned Bundesliga champions need a new wide attacker, with Mitoma emerging as a viable target.

While Florian Plettenberg has mentioned Arsenal and Bayern Munich as Mitoma’s suitors, other bigwigs have also shown interest in the 28-year-old Japanese international. So, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for the Brighton winger.

Ï