Blow for Chelsea and Arsenal as target closes in on new deal

Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Champions League this season were dealt a blow on Tuesday as they were beaten 2-1 by French side Lens. 

Mikel Arteta’s side went ahead in the first-half in France but were pegged back and soon after had Bukayo Saka forced off through injury.

In the second period, the hosts took the lead and held on to record a famous victory over the Gunners.

Domestically, Arteta’s side remain unbeaten so far this season having won five of their seven Premier League matches.

Up next for the North London outfit is a difficult test, though, as they welcome reigning champions Manchester City to The Emirates.

Last season City pipped Arsenal to the league title, and Arteta will therefore be desperate to get revenge and prove that his side are contenders for the crown this time around.

In the meantime, though, Arsenal may have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of a Premier League star.

Mitoma has attracted interest from some of the Premier League’s top clubs

According to The Mirror, Arsenal target Kaoru Mitoma is close to signing a new contract with current club Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Japan international joined the Seagulls from Kawasaki Frontale back in 2021 and spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.

He impressed in Belgium, and has been in fine form since returning to the south coast at the start of last season.

In total the Japanese forward has made 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists.

Mitoma’s fine form is said to have attracted interest from both Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as Arsenal, but the report claims that Brighton are confident of tying him down to a new deal.

The winger – who cost Brighton just £2.7 million – is currently contracted to the south coast club until the summer of 2025.