Chelsea are keeping tabs on Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Blues have been considering their options after losing out to Bayern Munich for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olose, and Jacobs says that they may look at a surprise alternative:

“I’m told that Kaoru Mitoma is liked [by Chelsea].”

The Japanese international made waves with his performances during the 2022/23 campaign, and he was linked with moves to plenty of Premier League clubs.

However, Mitoma injured his back earlier this year, and he missed most of the second half of the season, ending the campaign with 26 appearances in total.

He may only be signed if Sterling leaves

Despite Chelsea’s apparent keenness to recruit another wide player, they are still pretty well stocked on both flanks. Cole Palmer and Noni Maduke can play off the right, while Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling can start on the left.

With Mitoma having played most of his football for Brighton on the left wing, you would think that a bid for him would only be lodged if someone like Sterling leaves.

The 29-year-old has been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia but the player seems reluctant to make the switch to the Middle East.

Are Chelsea close to signing any other players?

The deal closest to being finalised is believed to be for Boca Juniors centre-back Aaron Anselmino. Reports suggest that the Blues have agreed a £14m fee, with the player having also accepted personal terms.

It is now a case of deciding where Anselmino will play. It is expected that he will remain at Boca on loan for at least six months. There has also been talk that he could be sent out to Strasbourg once his time in Argentina comes to an end, but that does depend on how quickly he progresses.