Kaoru Mitoma is on Arsenal’s radar for the summer transfer window (Picture: Getty) Arsenal have added Kaoru Mitoma to their transfer shortlist and are weighing up a move for the Brighton winger as an alternative to their ‘dream signing’ Rodrygo. The Gunners faced widespread criticism after failing to bring in a proven No.9 last summer and the decision appeared to cost Mikel Arteta’s side, who once again finished the season trophyless. Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as Arsenal’s top centre-forward target for the upcoming window, with the Sporting sensation scoring 39 goals across a remarkable Primeira Liga campaign. It’s understood the north Londoners are preparing a bumper contract offer to fend off Manchester United and Chelsea in the race to capture the prolific Swede. However, Arsenal’s transfer ambitions, spearheaded by newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta, do not stop there, with the club also keen to bolster their options out wide. Rafael Leao and Nico Williams have both been tentatively linked, while Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has reportedly been sounded out over a proposed move to the Emirates this summer. According to Sky Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg, Brighton’s Mitoma is another player who has been discussed as Berta and his team assess profiles and candidates on the flank. Mitoma has been added to the Gunners’ shortlist (Picture: Getty) Rodrygo is said to be Arsenal’s ‘dream signing’ (Picture: Getty) Arsenal are not alone with their interest in Mitoma, though, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich also eyeing a move for the 28-year-old Japan international. Recent reports emanating out of Germany indicated it would likely cost around €40-45million (£33.5-38m) to prise Mitoma away from the Amex Stadium. It’s claimed Rodrygo is Arsenal’s ‘dream signing’ in this position, but striking a deal could prove tricky given the Brazilian’s wage demands. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Mitoma’s current contract on the south coast runs through to June 2027. Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr had an offer rejected by the Seagulls for Mitoma in January – after which, Fabian Hurzeler admitted he was pleased to still have the winger at his disposal. ‘I’m pleased [he is still here],’ the Brighton head coach told reporters. ‘But I think he’s also pleased that he’s playing for Brighton because he also knows what he gets from us and he knows that he can develop here. ‘He showed his commitment from the first day. He was never asked in the club to respond to that offer. So we showed an impressive reaction beside and on the pitch.’ For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.