Manchester City and Pep Guardiola have identified Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma as their next summer addition following the arrival of Josko Gvardiol, it has been claimed.
The Premier League champions have already added Mateo Kovacic to their ranks, and on Saturday announced the capture of defender Gvardiol from RB Leipzig in a deal worth a reported £77m.
They remain on the hunt for wide additions, however, following Riyad Mahrez’s departure to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli and speculation that continues to surround Bernardo Silva amid links to FC Barcelona and PSG.
To that end, the Daily Star report that Brighton’s Mitoma has caught the eye following an impressive campaign with the Seagulls, and is part of Manchester City’s winger shortlist ahead of the transfer window closing on September 1st.
The Japanese star scored 7 times in 24 Premier League appearances last campaign as he helped Roberto De Zerbi’s side qualify for the Europa League for the first time in their history.
This has gained the attention and admiration of Guardiola, it has been claimed, and the City boss would be keen on launching a £50m+ move for Mitoma this summer.
Naturally a left-winger with very little experience playing on the opposite flank, Mitoma wouldn’t fill the gap left by Mahrez, and the likes of Michael Olise and Jeremy Doku (both also thought to be on Manchester City’s wishlist) would be much better fits.
Instead, Mitoma would be competing with Jack Grealish for a place in City’s starting XI, with the Englishman enjoying an exceptional campaign last time out.
Throw into the mix the extortionate fee that Brighton would likely demand, and the deal appears to be something of a non-starter barring a major u-turn.
