Alan Shearer has included Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma in his Premier League Team of the Week after the Japan star helped his side beat West Ham 4-0 on the weekend – amid reports Arsenal are keen on luring him to The Emirates.
Mitoma, 25, is on fire. Simply put, he is showing the kind of form expected from a player right at the top of the table. The Japan star broke into the Brighton side mostly under Roberto De Zerbi, after the Italian replaced Graham Potter.
Despite starting just 11 of his 18 Premier League matches, and 15 of 24 in all competitions, Mitoma has had a hand in 12 goals. Six goals in those 18 league games, eight in all – and four assists. Another breakthrough Brighton talent.
He got a goal and an assist in the 4-0 win over West Ham on Saturday, as Brighton strengthened their pursuit of European football. His form is not going unnoticed. CalcioMercato say Arsenal want to sign the £31m-rated winger.
Shearer included Brighton sensation Mitoma in his Premier League Team of the Week, raving about the reported Arsenal target: “What an incredible signing he is proving to be. He gave West Ham a torrid afternoon from the start.”
Shearer has included Mitoma in Team of the Week amid Arsenal reports
The Gunners do have options on the flanks. The signing of Leandro Trossard has significantly strengthened Arsenal in attack, not least their strength in depth. Emile Smith-Rowe is back and Reiss Nelson starred on Saturday.
With the Europa League knockout stages on the horizon, Arsenal will have to rely on that strength in depth. In order to give Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli a rest. So, do Arsenal need Mitoma? Arguably, they probably do not.
But in the summer, Nelson is out of contract and Smith-Rowe may feel as though he needs a move to get regular first-team football. So, it might be that if Arsenal let a couple go, they could make a move for the Brighton talent.
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