Arsenal’s £80m Mitoma Pursuit: The Winger Gyokeres Would Adore?

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Arsenal Target £80m Mitoma to Partner New Striker Gyokeres
Explore Arsenal`s ambitious summer transfer plans, including the imminent arrival of Viktor Gyokeres and reported interest in Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, a player potentially valued at £80 million. Discover why the Japanese international could be the perfect creative partner for Arsenal`s new striker.

This summer is shaping up to be exceptionally busy for Arsenal. Following a period of less impactful transfer activity last year, the club`s Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, appears determined to equip Mikel Arteta with the tools necessary to challenge for the Premier League title next season. Early moves have seen Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard reportedly join the club, with Noni Madueke also expected.

However, the most significant development appears to be the impending arrival of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. After extensive speculation last summer and in January, The Athletic`s David Ornstein confirmed an agreement in principle: £55 million upfront, with a potential £9 million in add-ons. This deal positions the Swedish international as the likely centrepiece of Arsenal`s revitalised attack. But the transfer activity might not stop there, as the Gunners are now linked with a player who, according to reports, would be a dream teammate for their new forward.

The £80m Winger on Arsenal`s Radar

That player is Brighton & Hove Albion`s Kaoru Mitoma. Journalist Graeme Bailey recently reported that Arsenal are among the clubs interested in the dynamic Japanese winger, whose current contract has just under two years remaining. The competition is reportedly fierce, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich also monitoring the situation.

While no official price has been confirmed in the latest reports, earlier speculation this summer suggested Brighton could demand a figure as high as £80 million for their prized asset. This potential valuation underscores Mitoma`s impact and the difficulty Arsenal (or any club) might face in prising him away from the south coast. Securing his signature would be a complex and potentially expensive undertaking, but the potential payoff for Arsenal, particularly in complementing their new striker, is clear.

Why Mitoma Could Be Gyokeres` Ideal Partner

To understand why Mitoma might be such a good fit for Gyokeres, one needs to look at the Swedish striker`s playing profile. Gyokeres is renowned for his goalscoring prowess – a bona fide penalty-box predator. His heatmaps and shot locations from last season consistently show him operating primarily within the opposition`s penalty area, ready to finish chances. He is a forward who thrives on receiving the ball in dangerous positions rather than dropping deep or wide frequently.

This is where Mitoma comes in. The Japanese international gained significant attention not just for his performances but also for his academic background – famously writing a university dissertation focused on the art of dribbling. This theoretical study appears to have translated perfectly to the pitch.

According to FBref data from last season, Mitoma ranked highly among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for carrying the ball into the final third (Top 8% per 90) and progressive carrying distance (Top 10% per 90). These statistics highlight his exceptional ability to take the ball from deeper or wider areas and drive directly towards the opposition goal, breaching defensive lines and creating opportunities in and around the penalty box.

Mitoma’s proficiency in carrying the ball into dangerous areas, combined with his good shot metrics (Top 7% for Non-Penalty xG per Shot, Top 8% for Goals/Shot), suggests he is not just a dribbler but one who makes these carries count by putting himself or others in scoring positions. For a striker like Gyokeres, who positions himself to finish, having a winger who can consistently break down defences and deliver the ball into the box – or draw defenders to create space – would be invaluable. It`s the kind of service a pure number nine thrives on.

Comparisons have even been made between Mitoma`s finishing ability and that of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, a high bar indeed. While such lofty comparisons should always be taken with a grain of salt, they underscore the quality Mitoma possesses in the final third. Imagine Gyokeres, poised to strike, receiving perfectly weighted balls or benefiting from defenders drawn out by Mitoma`s electrifying runs. It’s a partnership that, on paper at least, seems highly complementary.

While £80 million is a significant outlay, potentially adding Mitoma to an attack spearheaded by Gyokeres could provide Arsenal with the potent and varied threat required to finally overcome their Premier League challenges and potentially lift the trophy. It’s a pairing that promises excitement and could very well see Gyokeres “adore” having the Brighton star alongside him.

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