Arsenal urged to target Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma after Vinicius Junior transfer setback

Arsenal have been encouraged to turn their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma after seeing their hopes of signing Vinicius Junior come to an end.

The Gunners had explored the possibility of a blockbuster move for the Real Madrid star before the Brazilian committed his future to the Spanish champions by signing a new long-term contract, forcing Mikel Arteta's side to consider alternative attacking targets.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Mitoma would be an excellent addition to Arsenal's attack despite the Japan international enduring an injury-hit campaign last season.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Cascarino highlighted the Brighton winger's ability to beat defenders and provide the direct threat Arsenal could benefit from on the left flank.

"If he was a tad younger and hadn't had so many injuries, I'd really look at him. I thought Mitoma, when he's been Brighton's best player, he's scarily good. He's a dangerous winger - he wants to take people on all the time. And Arsenal have got cover there, so, yeah."

Mitoma has just one year remaining on his Brighton contract, a situation that could make him a more affordable option than many of Arsenal's other reported targets.

With Vinicius no longer available, Arsenal are expected to intensify their search for another left-sided attacker.

The club have already strengthened their midfield with the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, while Christos Tzolis has also joined following Leandro Trossard's departure to Beşiktaş.

Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, Everton's Iliman Ndiaye and Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola have all been linked as Arsenal continue evaluating their options before the transfer window closes.

Mitoma's quality has never been in doubt, but his fitness record could prove a deciding factor.

The 28-year-old struggled with injuries throughout the 2025/26 season and missed Japan's World Cup squad after suffering a hamstring injury.

However, the winger has consistently demonstrated his ability in the Premier League, helping Brighton qualify for Europe during his breakthrough campaign before registering 10 league goals in the 2024/25 season.

Arsenal are expected to continue assessing left-wing options before the transfer window closes, with several high-profile targets under consideration. Brighton must also decide whether to offer Mitoma a new contract or risk entering the final year of his deal with growing transfer interest.