Arsenal monitoring Brighton winger with Bayern pushing for quick deal | OneFootball

Arsenal weigh up Mitoma move amid Brighton pressure and Bayern interest

Mitoma added to Arsenal wishlist as Rodrygo alternative

Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements this summer continues to evolve, with Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma now under serious consideration. While much of the recent attention has focused on Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, whose wage demands remain a significant obstacle, Arsenal appear to be broadening their scope in search of greater flexibility in wide areas.

Florian Plettenberg reports that Mitoma is among the names added to Arsenal’s shortlist as they reshape their front line. The Japan international has impressed at Brighton with his direct running and incisive movement, earning admirers across Europe. But Arsenal may need to move quickly if they are to stand any chance.

Bayern Munich ahead in pursuit of Brighton winger

Bayern Munich have already taken the initiative. Plettenberg notes that the Bundesliga champions have intensified their interest in Mitoma after missing out on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who looks set for a record-breaking switch to Liverpool.

Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, Bayern’s directors of sport, held discussions with Mitoma’s representatives earlier this week. Encouragingly for Bayern, they discovered the winger would be open to a move to Germany.

Mitoma is understood to be available for around €50m (£42m), a fee that offers value for a 28-year-old with Premier League pedigree and Champions League ambitions. Arsenal, for all their interest, are not currently in the lead.

Strategic attack reshuffle under consideration at Arsenal

The Gunners’ plans appear focused on creating greater unpredictability in the final third. While a striker remains a priority for many fans, the technical staff seem equally determined to bring in a top-level winger capable of operating across the frontline.

Mitoma would represent a different profile to Rodrygo, but his ability to play on either flank and beat defenders in tight areas makes him an attractive option. Whether Arsenal make a formal move may depend on developments in Bavaria.

Other targets remain in play including AC Milan star

Arsenal’s interest in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao also persists. Bayern have made contact there too, raising the possibility of a transfer triangle between the two European heavyweights and their wide-forward targets.

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Plettenberg concludes that “Rafael Leao is someone else Bayern have been in contact for. Similarly, the AC Milan winger is on Arsenal’s radar, so there could be a scenario where the Gunners sign one and Bayern sign the other.”

Should Milan soften their valuation, Leao might yet emerge as the more expensive but marquee acquisition. For now, Mitoma remains a viable and Premier League-proven alternative.