€45m winger "admired by Chelsea," reveals Ben Jacobs – but a significant obstacle remains
Transfer

€45m winger “admired by Chelsea,” reveals Ben Jacobs – but a significant obstacle remains

Chelsea’s pursuit of a right winger has been a defining storyline this summer. After their ambitious attempt to sign Michael Olise fell through, the club has been linked with several alternatives to fill the position.

Recently, respected Chelsea journalist Ben Jacobs revealed a new name on the radar: Kaoru Mitoma. Writing for CaughtOffside, Jacobs reported that the Blues are closely monitoring the 27-year-old Brighton star. “I’m told that Kaoru Mitoma is liked [by Chelsea],” Jacobs shared, indicating growing interest from Stamford Bridge.

Mitoma gained widespread attention during Roberto De Zerbi’s transformative first six months at Brighton, where he emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting one-on-one dribblers. His performances showcased his individual brilliance and established him as one of the division’s most promising talents.

However, Brighton’s recent dip in form has coincided with a decline in Mitoma’s numbers. Despite his evident skills, injuries limited the Japan international to just 19 Premier League appearances last season, contributing only seven goals and assists combined.

For Chelsea, this might represent an opportunity to secure a talented player at a relatively lower cost. If Mitoma can rediscover his top form, a move to a stronger side could unlock his full potential, making him an intriguing option for the club’s ongoing rebuild.