Manchester City to challenge Chelsea for Brighton ace this summer

Manchester City are plotting move for Kaoru Mitoma amid Chelsea interest

Manchester City are considering signing Japanese sensation Kaoru Mitoma to replace Riyad Mahrez at the Etihad even as Chelsea continue to monitor the Brighton & Hove Albion star.

According to the Sun, (h/t Football.London) Pep Guardiola wants City to sign the Seagulls ace after Mahrez’s departure to the middle east earlier this summer. This leaves a hole in the defending champions’ roster that needs addressing.

Chelsea and Arsenal have also shown interest in signing the 26-year-old, but the Blues are currently tied in negotiations with the Seagulls for the acquisition of Moises Caicedo. The 21-year-old is desperate to join the West Londoners, but Brighton are adamant about receiving £100 million for their star midfielder.

Roberto de Zerbi’s side can see another talented player leave their club as City plot a move for the Japanese forward, who enjoyed a breakthrough season last term. Mitoma has two years left on his contract, and Brighton are hoping to renew it for a longer period and have also received interest from the Gunners and Chelsea.

The former Barcelona manager is a fan of Mitoma, as he claimed in an interview that the player had a massive impact in the Premier League last season. Mitoma joining City would make them an indomitable squad, as they have already signed Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

They have become a ruthless squad under Pep, and the arrival of Mitoma, who is recognised for his exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring prowess and can have an immediate impact on the team, will greatly enhance City’s forward line. They might win their third Premier League title the following season.

More Chelsea News

• Mauricio Pochettino reveals he has not confirmed Chelsea’s captain for next season
• Chelsea are ramping up their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams with £20m release clause
• West Ham United are considering a summer swoop for Chelsea striker Armando Broja

Chelsea and Brighton are now in negotiations for the transfer of Caicedo, leaving them little time to begin terms for the acquisition of Mitoma. The Blues already have enough players playing in his position, but should the opportunity present itself, they could move for a player of his calibre who also has Premier League experience. However, at this time, it appears highly unlikely that Chelsea will go for him at the moment.