Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma is edging closer to a decision on his long-term future at the AMEX Stadium.
The Japan international has developed into a key player - and fans favourite for the Seagulls - following an impressive rise since joining the Premier League side from Kawasaki Frontale in 2022.
Mitoma ended the 2024/25 season with a career-high 10 EPL goals, as joint-top scorer with Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck, and the Brighton hierarchy are keen to retain the 28-year-old beyond his current contract
Chelsea's move to sign Pedro has sharpened the need for Brighton to resolve Mitoma's future with his present deal expiring in June 2027.
The winger rejected a January offer from the Saudi Pro League and his call to turn down Bayern Munich earlier this summer underlines his commitment to Brighton.
The Bavarians have targeted numerous options to bolster the left-side of Vincent Kompany's attack, but the Bundesliga champions lost out to Liverpool in the race for Florian Wirtz, and Barcelona are ahead in the battle for Nico Williams.
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Despite the lure of UEFA Champions League football and a major salary increase at the Allianz Arena, reports from Sky Sports indicate Mitoma wants to sign an extension at Brighton, which could tie him to the club until 2029.
MORE: Why do Chelsea sign so many Brighton players?
Karou Mitoma's Brighton contract, salary, key stats
As per data from salary experts Spotrac, Mitoma is currently Brighton's joint-second highest earner on an estimated £4.15m per year, level with club captain Lewis Dunk.
An extension would take him above Ferdi Kadioglu - on £4.5m annually - as reward for his impressive performances in Fabian Hurzeler's side.
Mitoma's three seasons at Brighton have yielded 20 goals from 88 games with 24 netted in 108 across all competitions.
However, his deeper stats are even more eye-catching after ending 2024/25 in fourth spot for progressive carries in the Premier League [146] behind Jeremy Doku, Mohamed Salah and Noni Madueke.
He was also fourth for progressive passes received [291] behind Salah, Bryan Mbeumo and Luis Diaz.
Mitoma and Brighton's ultimate aim for next season is European qualification with the Premier League potentially in line to receive five UCL spots once again for 2026/27.