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Transfer Deal: “The Doctor of Dribble-nomics” of Brighton Fc ready to meet the Gunners.

Published

7 months ago

May 14, 2024

The Gunners have been linked with a swoop for a big name Albion star

He’s the man with a degree in nutmegs, the Doctor of Dribble-nomics. Kaoru Mitoma, with his theses and his theorems, has lit up the Premier League in recent seasons, and if reports are to be believed, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager for him to continue his research into the ritualistic humiliation of full-backs during a tenured stint at the Emirates.

According to an update from Fichajes, the Brighton and Hove Albion winger has emerged as a summer target for the Gunners, who could face competition for his signature from Manchester United and Manchester City. It is also suggested that Arsenal are keeping half an eye on the Japanese winger’s international teammate Takefusa Kubo, currently on the books at Real Sociedad. Not super relevant to this article, but just a little bonus FYI.

Indeed, it is understood that the Gunners are currently the early leaders in the race to prise the 26-year-old away from the Amex Stadium, although concrete details remain few and far between at this stage. There is, however, perhaps a way that the transfer schemers in North London can strengthen their position even further.

Over the weekend, a report from the Mirror claimed that Arsenal have put as many as seven first team stars up for sale ahead of the transfer window. The likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares, Albert Sambi Lokonga, and Reiss Nelson could all be allowed to leave in various manners over the coming weeks and months – including, presumably, as makeweights in player-plus-cash swap deals.

If this is the genuine state of play, and if they are serious about their interest in Mitoma, then why not, therefore, attempt to strike some kind of bargain? Let Brighton have their pick of the deadwood and sculpt a deal around that accordingly. Say, for instance, the Seagulls decide that they want a talent capable of directly softening the blow of Mitoma’s departure; send them Reiss Nelson.

Say they decide that they would rather have a more centrally-situated creative presence; send them Emile Smith Rowe. Say they rock up at the negotiating table and declare that, actually, what they really have their heart set on is some cover and competition at left-back; send them Kieran Tierney or Nuno Tavares. It’s horses for courses, and Arsenal have a full stable to offer.

In that sense, this could prove to be a deal that truly suits everybody. For their part, the Gunners snap up one of the most naturally-gifted dribblers in the top flight right in the prime of his career at a reduced price, while Mitoma himself is afforded the opportunity to play Champions League football for one of the best teams in the country.

As for Brighton, they receive a transfer fee and, essentially, a player of their choosing in return, and whichever fortunate is plucked from the Emirates gets to reinvigorate their flagging career at one of the most exciting and admired clubs in the Premier League. When you think of it that way, it really does feel like a win-win situation.