Kaoru Mitoma has informed Brighton bosses that he has no intention of leaving the club this summer, in keeping with reports.
The 28-year-old winger enjoyed his best-ever season within the Premier League as he racked up ten goals and 4 assists to assist Brighton to an eighth-placed finish last term.
But Mitoma’s eye-catching performances are understood to have caught the eye of several top teams and there was some speculation that the forward could soon be on the move.
Bayern Munich have been credited with a powerful interest, with the Bundesliga champions scouring the marketplace for a left-sided attacker to switch Leroy Sane, who joined Galatasaray last month.
Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, meanwhile, saw multiple offers knocked back by Brighton for Mitoma within the January transfer window.
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There have also been rumours that Arsenal could launch a bid to prise Mitoma away from the Amex Stadium, with Mikel Arteta keen to usher in added support and competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.
Earlier this summer, Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg reported that Mitoma had been identified by Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, as a possible alternative to the Real Madrid’s Rodrygo – the Gunners’ ‘dream’ signing.
But in keeping with a brand new report from Sky Sports, Mitoma has moved to reassure Brighton’s hierarchy he stays fully committed to Fabian Hurzeler’s project – and the Japan international is keen to pen to paper on a brand new contract.
It’s claimed the Seagulls plan to satisfy with Mitoma to speak over ‘improved terms and an extension’ in the end.
Mitoma’s current deal on the south coast is resulting from expire in June 2027.
Talking to Sky Sports, Brighton head coach Hurzeler said he was ‘really looking forward’ to meeting up with Mitoma again for pre-season training this week.
‘After all, we try to maintain our greatest players and I feel Mitoma played great last season,’ the German said.
‘Nevertheless it’s only because we as a club work together and then you definately can shine as individuals.
‘I feel that’s most significant, that each one the players try to grasp that and Mitoma understood it last season.
‘I’m really looking forward to seeing him back tomorrow and that’s the plan.’
Hurzeler has no doubts that Mitoma will proceed to play an ‘necessary’ role going forward for the Seagulls.
‘We’re looking forward to working with him, proceed working with him, attempting to improve him, because I still think his limit is just not reached yet,’ he added.
‘That’s our job, his job, it’s the job of everyone within the club to get the very best potential out of the players and that’s what we’re in search of in pre-season.
‘I’m sure he might be a very important part for us.’
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