Gossip: Bayern monitor Mitoma situation

Bayern Munich will target Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma if they miss out on Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. (Sky Germany), external

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Kaoru Mitoma: Expected winner named in Arsenal and Bayern Munich race by insider

Bayern Munich are leading Arsenal in the race to sign Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma ahead of the summer transfer window.

That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old has emerged on the German giants’ list of targets.

Vincent Kompany’s side are confident they could convince him to make the move to Munich and believe they would have the edge over Mikel Arteta’s team.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are keeping tabs on Mitoma’s situation and could make a move if he is allowed to leave Brighton.

The Gunners have had scouts keeping tabs on the Japan international’s performances, but there is a feeling a move to the Bundesliga could be preferred.

Meanwhile, Bayern are keen to sign a new wide midfielder after missing out on Florian Wirtz, and are also believed to be targeting Eberechi Eze and Cody Gakpo this summer.

Bayern Munich confident of beating Arsenal to Kaoru Mitoma

Football Insider revealed in April that Brighton will not stand in Mitoma’s way if a suitable offer is made amid interest from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Bayern are considering the winger among a number of targets to bolster out wide.

“Bayern Munich have been looking at Mitoma,” he told Football Insider.

“They want to convince him to make the move to Germany and they believe they would have a better chance than somebody like Arsenal.

“They’re looking to bring in a new starting winger and he’s certainly one of the names on their list.

“If they can offer him that starting place, it’s something he would be open to.

“I think it would be a good move for him, going to play in the Bundesliga.

“He’s good enough to make a step up to a club like Bayern and he suits the style of football.

“They’ve always had top wide players there, the likes of Robben and Ribery and more recently Sane and Coman, and now they’re looking to replace them.

“Michael Olise has been excellent on the right, and they want somebody now for the other side.

“Mitoma is one of a few they’ve looked at, and it’s definitely one I can see happening.”

Evan Ferguson offered to PSV amid Everton and Forest interest

Mitoma is not the only player to be linked with a move away from Brighton this summer, as Evan Ferguson is widely expected to leave the Amex.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 20 June that Ferguson has been offered to PSV, who could take him to the Eredivisie on loan for next season.

Everton and Nottingham Forest are also among the clubs who have registered their interest to Brighton as they aim to bolster their attacking options.

This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 13 June that Brighton plan to send Ferguson out on loan again after a difficult spell at West Ham.

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