Manchester City ‘identify Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez after impressing Pep Guardiola’
- Manchester City reserve Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma to replace Riyad Mahrez
- The Japan international, 26, impressed in the Premier League last season
- Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Rennes winger Jeremy Doku are also shortlisted
Manchester City have named Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma as a possible replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who signed a £30 million deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli earlier this month.
The three-time winners already have Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Rennes winger Jeremy Doku on their shortlist.
And the Japan international has also caught the attention of City boss Pep Guardiola, according to the Daily Star.
The 26-year-old impressed in the Premier League last season, scoring seven times in 24 appearances.
Mitoma signed for Brighton in August 2021 before spending a season in Belgium on loan at Union St Gilloise.
Manchester City could make a move to Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma this summer
Riyad Mahrez joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in a £30 million deal earlier this month.
Mitoma, who was a regular for Japan at the World Cup Final in Qatar, helped the Seagulls qualify for Europe under Roberto De Zerbi.
His current contract with the South Coast outfit has another two years to run.
Brighton have already lost midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool and goalkeeper goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to Chelsea and are not looking to lose any more of their top stars.
They have rejected three bids from Chelsea for central midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Man City completed the signing of defender Josko Gvardiol for £78 million on a five-year contract from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on Saturday.
The 21-year-old will be the Premier League champions’ second signing this summer, joining compatriot Mateo Kovacic at the Etihad, and will wear the number 24 shirt.