Brighton are set to reject a second bid worth up to £85million for Kaoru Mitoma in the final days of the transfer window.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who are in the midst of signing Jhon Duran from Aston Villa, made a move for Mitoma on Thursday afternoon worth around £55m.
However, Brighton rejected the bid outright as they are reluctant to sell one of their star players in the dying embers of the transfer window.
Nevertheless, GB News understands that Al-Nassr are willing to make a second offer worth up to £85m.
Kaoru Mitoma is the subject of a mega-money bid from Saudi Arabia
Reuters
But it is further understood that Brighton are set to turn down this offer as well – despite it potentially being the club’s second biggest sale after the £105m move of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea in 2023.
With the Saudi transfer window set to shut on Friday night, there is a possibility that Al-Nassr could come back with revised terms for a third time.
Brighton maintain that the Japan international is not for sale this transfer window – especially this late in the day.
A sale would force the Seagulls into the transfer market to find a replacement.
And clubs would be armed with the knowledge that the Premier League outfit have earned themselves a big pay-day and could overcharge as a result.
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Brighton are renowned for acting shrewdly in the transfer market – indeed, Mitoma himself only cost £2.5m when they signed the winger from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021.
Since then, the 27-year-old has become a nightmare for defenders with his dribbling skill and ability in the box.
After a loan spell at Belgian side Union SG, Mitoma has been a key player on the south coast.
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Kaoru Mitoma is not for sale, Brighton say, as Al-Nassr prepare money-spinning bid
It has since him make 92 appearances for Brighton in three seasons, scoring 18 times and making 16 assists, predominantly on the left flank.
Al-Nassr already employ Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane to front their attacking line-up, though both of their futures are up in the air.
Ronaldo will see his contract expire in June later this year while Mane has failed to impress as expected.
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