Kaoru Mitoma says he must keep improving - as his Albion boss guides him towards another season at the Amex.

The Japan winger aims to return to match-winning form on Sunday at Arsenal, where he has already scored this season in the Carabao Cup.

De Zerbi have a somewhat cryptic message at a recent junior press conference about Mitoma having plenty of time to work within the Albion set-up.

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The head coach has since told reporters: “Mitoma is one of the best players in Brighton.

“He can improve because he has started to be an important player this year, especially when I started to work here because before he wasn’t in the first XI.

“He needs to stay here one more year for him and for us.”

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Speculation over summer transfer activity has already kicked off but everything points at this stage to Mitoma staying with the Seagulls into next season.

He has been a huge hit this term although his end product has dipped below peak levels in recent games.

Mitoma is delighted De Zerbi sees him as big part of his plans, as will be his large Japanese following within the Albion fanbase.

He told an in-house interview: “That is something you always want to hear as a player, to be wanted by the club.

“It’s proof that I have grown as a player but it’s still my first year playing at Brighton.

“I need to keep improving so I can carry on playing in the Premier League.

“While I have high ambitions, I have to stay grounded too.”