Brighton preparing club-record contract for Kaoru Mitoma after Real Madrid, Man City and Arsenal links

Brighton are getting ready to offer star man Kaoru Mitoma a club-record contract after a host of top European clubs, including Real Madrid and Arsenal, expressed their interest.

The 25-year-old Japanese winger, who spent last season on loan at Belgian side Union SG, was handed his Brighton debut in a goalless draw with Newcastle in August.

And since that game, the pacey forward has become one of the Premier League's standout performers in what has been a quite remarkable breakthrough campaign at the Amex.

Mitoma has been involved in 14 goals since mid-October, including a number of memorable performances against Liverpool – a team he has so far completed 10 dribbles against in all competitions.

As a result of his fine form, a flurry of clubs are circling around his signature. TEAMtalk suggest Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City have all taken an interest in his progress.

Premier League leaders Arsenal have also been strongly linked with a move for the in-form forward.

But to fend off interest from elsewhere, Roberto De Zerbi's side are reportedly ready to make Mitoma the club's highest paid player.

The Japan international penned a four-year deal with the Seagulls back in 2021 but tying him down to a longer contract following his incredible form for overachieving Brighton side would certainly be wise.

Mitoma has been urged to stay with Brighton next season by manager De Zerbi.

“Mitoma is a crucial part of the team for us because, one-against-one in the last 25 metres, he’s one of the most important players," the 43-year-old said.

“I think I have to repeat the same idea, the same opinion I used with Caicedo.

"I think for him it is the first year in the Premier League and it’s important for him, for us for sure, but also for him to play another season with us.”

“We don’t have time to speak about the transfer market because we have another three months to play and for us to reach our target.”

Thoughts on Mitoma's future? Should he stay at Brighton beyond the current campaign?

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