Jermain Defoe has been quoted by a piece published on Optus Sport that Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma is producing an “unbelievable” return after completing a bargain move to the Seagulls – amid reports Arsenal are interested in a move.
Mitoma, 25, joined Brighton in the summer of 2021 after starring for Japanese Kawasaki Frontale. It comes after writing a thesis on the art of dribbling. In his first season at Brighton, he was loaned to Belgian outfit Union St. Gilloise.
Having a hand in 12 goals in 29 games, he returned to Brighton to find himself involved in the side. But he was only a bit-part player initially this term, under Graham Potter – before working his way into Roberto De Zerbi’s starting side.
Mitoma is in sparkling form, scoring seven goals in 20 games – five of which have come in his last seven games. The Japan star scored a late winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Then, on Saturday against Bournemouth, winning 1-0.
Speaking after Brighton scored that late winner through Mitoma, which saw the Japan star head home in the dying moments – Defoe gave his verdict amid reports that Arsenal want to sign the winger, according to football site 90Min.
Defoe: Brighton star Mitoma is unbelievable amid Arsenal reports
“It’s an unbelievable return. It’s not just the goals he’s scoring, it’s his performances – three years ago he was at university studying dribbling and now he’s got the most dribbles,” Defoe said, when discussing Mitoma’s late goal.
“It’s incredible, what a signing, what a player they’ve got there. It’s such an amazing story, we never see it. It’s down to recruitment, credit to the club, to find a player like that,” Defoe continued on the Brighton star, amid Arsenal reports.
Mitoma only cost Brighton a fee of £2.5million. So, it will be interesting to see what kind of figure he will be worth at the end of the season – if his form continues in the way it is. Arsenal of course, signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton.
But the Gunners are likely to remain interested in Mitoma ahead of the summer, as are a number of Premier League clubs. His pace, goals, creativity, and sheer work rate are all massive attributed that will attract plenty of suitors.
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