Sources: Brighton close in on Kaoru Mitoma deal
Brighton are confident of tying Kaoru Mitoma down to a new long-term contract on improved terms, sources have told Football Insider.
A new deal for the 25-year-old is one of the main priorities for the Seagulls as the end of a successful 2022-23 campaign approaches.
It is believed that Mitoma is happy at the Amex Stadium – and Brighton are desperate to keep hold of the Japan international.
Last month (19 March), Football Insider revealed interest in the winger from Premier League leaders Arsenal.
But sources with knowledge of Mitoma’s situation have told this site that there is “no rush” from the player’s side to leave Brighton in the summer window.
The south coast club are also aware of the possibility of Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo leaving the club in the off-season as the Premier League’s elite circle.
It is believed that Brighton would not consider selling a third star in the same window as they plan to be a force in English football for years to come.
Mitoma earns a reported £10,000-a-week on his current contract, which is set to expire in June 2025.
He has notched 10 goals and seven assists across 31 appearances in all competitions this season – his first in English football.
The 25-year-old initially joined Brighton in 2021 but was loaned to affiliate club Union Saint-Gilloise for the 2021-22 season, where he notched eight goals and four assists.
Roberto de Zerbi’s side are well-placed to secure a first-ever European qualification this season thanks to breakthroughs from the likes of Mitoma, Caicedo and Evan Ferguson.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (25 April) that Brighton are also increasingly confident of reaching a full agreement with striker sensation Ferguson.
The Seagulls face off against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Wednesday (26 April).
In other news, Brighton close to signing Celtic player.