'The next Ryan Giggs' - Premier League star likened to Man Utd LEGEND amid Arsenal interest

Cameron Smith

Updated: 22 Aug 2023 06:46 BST
4 min read

Brighton & Hove Albion winger Karoru Mitoma has been compared to Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs following his electric start to the 2023-24 Premier League season.

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Mitoma, 26, provided an assist in Brighton’s opening day win over Luton Town before backing that up with another assist as well as a wonderful solo goal away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Japan international cut inside from the left flank, slalomed past four or five Wolves defenders before slotting the ball past Jose Sa and into the bottom corner to net his first goal of the new campaign.

His form has helped Brighton to a maximum six points from their opening two fixtures, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side sitting pretty in first place in the Premier League table.

Earlier this month, TalkSPORT reported that Arsenal and Bayern Munich were interested in signing Mitoma following his breakout year in 2022-23.

The 26-year-old scored 10 goals and laid on eight assists in all competitions as Brighton achieved their highest ever league position and qualified for the Europa League for the first time in their history.

However, the outlet reported that Mitoma was likely to sign a new long-term deal at the AMEX Stadium as the Seagulls attempt to ward off any interested parties.

Despite the prospect of a new deal, De Zerbi revealed at the end of last season: “He [Mitoma] needs to stay here one more year, for him and for us.”

While the Italian manager would certainly love to retain his wing wizard for years to come, De Zerbi appears resigned to the fact he may lose Mitoma in 2024, with clubs like Arsenal sniffing around.

The Gunners are also keen on his Brighton team-mate Evan Ferguson and could push for the Irishman next summer as they look to bolster their forward line - as exclusively reported by FootballTransfers.

© ProShots - Arsenal have been linked with a move for Kaoru Mitoma

Mitoma compared to Ryan Giggs

Following his excellent start to the new Premier League season, Chelsea and Aston Villa forward Tony Cascarino compared Mitoma to Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs while on air on TalkSPORT.

“Mitoma is on another level,” he said. “I said to you off-air that it is like watching Ryan Giggs at his very best.

“He is direct. I was lucky and very fortunate, Ryan Giggs at the start of his career, I was watching him and playing against him.

“He was frightening, Ryan Giggs. He would just run at you when he was a winger. Obviously, he changed his game [when he moved into centre midfield]. But Mitoma just goes at people for fun.”