Arsenal lead race in ambitious attempt to sign £35 million-rated Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton - Paper Round

ByDemi D'Cunha

Updated 06/02/2023 at 08:24 GMT

Arsenal will hope to follow up the January signing of Leandro Trossard by reuniting him with his former team-mate Kaoru Mitoma this summer. Elsewhere, Mason Mount has rejected a contract extension at Chelsea, Bayern Munich may struggle to sign Joao Cancelo on a permanent deal this summer and Leeds United are looking at potential replacements for Jesse Marsch.

Arsenal chase another Brighton star

Arsenal are in the market for another Brighton winger as the Sun reports the Gunners are leading the race to sign Kaoru Mitoma this summer. Mikel Arteta's side only just signed Leandro Trossard in the winter transfer window and saw a number of late bids rejected for Brighton's central midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Sun report: "Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been keen to bolster his attack and could view Mitoma as similar in style to Mykhailo Mudryk, who eventually signed for Chelsea despite Arsenal's attempts.

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"The club have been keeping a close eye on Brighton talent, having already signed Leandro Trossard in January for £27 million. The Seagulls could demand £35 million for the Japanese winger in the summer."

Mount rejects Chelsea extension

Mason Mount's long-term Chelsea future is in doubt after the 24-year-old rejected a contract extension offer from the west London club. Mount has less than 18 months remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, but was unhappy with the latest contract offer that was tabled in the negotiations.

The Mirror reveal: "Negotiations between Mount's representatives and the club were halted after the England international rejected an offer as he felt it was below what others are earning. It is understood Mount is hoping to treble his wages to around £240k-a-week but the club are offering significantly less than they are paying the likes of expensive recruits Raheem Sterling and Wesley Fofana.

"Liverpool have been linked with a move for Mount in recent months, with the attacking midfielder impressing in matches against Jurgen Klopp's side over the years. Meanwhile, a host of other European clubs are also keen on the player, including Borussia Dortmund."

Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on December 27, 2022 in London, England.

Image credit: Getty Images

Bayern unsure on Cancelo's future

There are doubts over whether Bayern Munich will be able to afford to activate the pre-agreed option-to-buy clause in Joao Cancelo's loan deal from Manchester City. The Portuguese full-back joined Bayern on deadline day in a surprise move, but the German champions will attempt to re-negotiate a lower fee than €70 million in order to complete the permanent signing of Cancelo.

The Mirror report: "Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has suggested that the €70 million (£62.1m) fee included in the Portuguese right-back's loan deal will be "difficult" for the German giants, who swooped for Cancelo on transfer deadline day.

"Despite the Bavarians' infatuation with the former Juventus star, having targeted him for "more than four years", the club aren't wholly confident of securing his services on a permanent basis come the summer.

Marsch out, Corberan in?

Leeds United are considering the possibility of replacing Jesse Marsch with West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan. The Yorkshire club are struggling once again this season and currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League table after 20 matches.

The Mail reveal: "Corberan, the West Bromwich Albion manager, was admired for his work at Leeds as a coach alongside Marcelo Bielsa and proved himself as a manager by taking Huddersfield Town to the Championship play-offs. Leeds rate Corberan highly and could reason that he knows their club well. He also has ex-Leeds coach Jorge Alarcon in his back-room team.

"Albion want to give him a new contract as Corberan continues to impress their hierarchy, but a call from Leeds could prove hard to resist."

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