Former Aston Villa striker advices Brighton winger Mitoma not to join Arsenal

The summer move of Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma to Arsenal has been one of the recent talking points. The north London team are keeping an eye on the Japanese winger, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside. They had previously signed Leandro Trossard and Ben White from the Seagulls over the past two years.

Gabriel Agbonlahor, a former striker for Aston Villa, has recently persuaded Mitoma not to move to north London after this season to join Trossard and White.

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor said: “Mitoma has been excellent, obviously, for Brighton but it’s so different when you go to a top club. We’ve seen it so many times with players who can’t do it at the higher level after making the step up.

“Just because you have a good season doesn’t mean you’re instantly going to succeed when you move for £60 million or £70 million. I think Mitoma should stay at Brighton another season and go to the next level because they’re a club on the up.”

This season, Mitoma has emerged as one of the brightest talents in the Premier League, aiding Brighton in their quest to play in Europe. Many of his top-notch performances against big teams have been among his best.

The Brighton winger contributed three assists and six goals in the Premier League this season, which are excellent numbers given that he has only played 20 games.

With teams like Arsenal keeping an eye on the wingers' development, Brighton will be hoping they can keep their star talent away from other teams during the summer transfer window.