Sources: De Zerbi tells Brighton board to block move for star amid Liverpool-Mac Allister talks update
Roberto De Zerbi has told the Brighton board to block any bids for Kaoru Mitoma this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Seagulls are bracing for a busy transfer widow, with a number of stars set to leave the Amex Stadium while talks are already underway for new arrivals.
It is understood that Brighton are now resigned to losing both Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister this summer.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (19 May) that Liverpool are closing in on a move for Mac Allister with a release clause set to become active.
Liverpool are now in talks with Brighton over how to structure the transfer fee for Mac Allister this summer.
Both Caicedo and Mac Allister have become stars for the south coast team this season, and losing the duo in one summer is a major blow for De Zerbi.
The Italian is believed to be frustrated by the departures, and he has informed the Brighton board to not consider any more bids for key players.
Mitoma is among the number of players that De Zerbi is desperate to keep hold of and therefore the Japanese international is expected to stay put at Brighton despite interest from Premier League clubs.
Brighton are in talks with Mitoma over a new deal amid interest from Arsenal, as per this site's sources.
Mitoma joined Brighton in 2021 from Kawasaki Frontale and was introduced to the first team a season later by Graham Potter after a successful loan stint at Union SG.
He has burst onto the scene in 2022/23 with 10 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.