Manchester City target Kaoru Mitoma as Riyad Mahrez replacement

The Japanese forward joined Brighton in 2011

Having finally acquired Josko Gvardiol for £77 million, Manchester City have now turned their attention to Kaoru Mitoma.

As Manchester City’s second summer acquisition, centre-back Gvardiol, 21, joined Croatian friend Mateo Kovacic from RB Leipzig with a five-year agreement.

The 26-year-old Japanese winger Mitoma, who has an extension of five years offer from Brighton, is also being watched.

Although his current contract only has two years left, the Seagulls want to keep him on longer terms and have previously turned down offers from Chelsea and Arsenal.

After Riyad Mahrez’s £30 million move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, City manager Pep Guardiola intends to sign a replacement wide receiver.

The versatile Kaoru Mitoma is a favourite of the Spaniard, who complimented him during City’s summer tour of Asia.

Guardiola was questioned about the calibre of Asian football prior to their friendly matchup against the Yokohama F. Marinos.

The treble champions have suggested Mitoma as a possible Mahrez successor. Brighton won’t likely let the Japanese star depart without a fight, though.

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Kaoru Mitoma’s price-tag

Additionally, Mitoma might cost up to £50 million, considering his immediate effect on the Premier League last season.

“Well I would say the impact of [Kaoru] Mitoma on the Premier League has been incredible,” he told reporters.

“He is in the right place with the right manager and his last season was extraordinary. And look at what Japan have done in the World Cup in a tough, tough group.”

Earlier in the year, Brighton had already traded Alexis Mac Allister for £35 million to Liverpool.

Chelsea are still trying to get Moises Caicedo, but the Seagulls turned down their fourth £90 million offer earlier this week.

And given that Brighton aren’t going to allow both players to depart this window, City’s pursuit of Mitoma could ruin the Blues’ ambitions of ultimately landing the Ecuadorian.

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