Saudi club will now try to sign £150m Arsenal target after missing out on Kaoru Mitoma

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It wouldn’t be a transfer window in the modern-era without the Saudi Arabian clubs getting involved and it looks like Al-Nassr could be at it again with some big signings.

The Saudi club are close to unveiling Jhon Duran in a mega-money move from Aston Villa but they’re not done just yet as they look to make big splashes late in the day.

Indeed, Al-Nassr are still looking at the Premier League and in particular, Kaoru Mitoma.

However, TBR Football understands that Mitoma will not be signing.

Why Al-Nassr won’t be signing Kaoru Mitoma

TBR Football understands that Brighton have indeed turned down a Saudi Pro League record offer of over £75million for Kaoru Mitoma.

Sources have now confirmed to TBR Football that after an initial bid was rejected, their second was worth over £75million with more including add-ons which would have taken the deal beyond their record deal which was for Neymar when Al-Hilal paid £75million in 2023.

Brighton made it clear to the Pro League that Mitoma is not for sale and we are told that although Mitoma would have considered the move – he is not pushing to leave the AMEX Stadium at this point.

The Pro League are unlikely to be back for Mitoma with a third offer, as their deadline closes on Friday.

Sky Sports Italy are now reporting that Al-Nassr will instead target Rafael Leao, who has been linked with a move to Saudi more than once already.

Arsenal still want to sign Rafael Leao

Of course, any move from the Saudi Pro League to sign Rafael Leao directly impacts those clubs in England who are keen.

Interestingly, sources claimed in December that Arsenal were indeed looking at Leao again as they looked to the market to improve the squad.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been desperate to sign a new forward this winter but as yet, his attempts have been unsuccessful.

Leao, then, could well be the next off to Saudi Arabia, leaving Arsenal looking in fresh places again.