Man City want Mitoma to replace Mahrez

Manchester City could raid Brighton & Hove Albion for winger Kaoru Mitoma as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, according to the Sun.

Man City were boosted by the €90 million arrival of centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig on Saturday, but boss Pep Guardiola isn’t finished in the transfer market ahead of the new season.

Mahrez joined the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia in July and Guardiola now lacks options in wide areas, hence the interest in the 26-year-old Mitoma. The Japan international is yet to put pen to paper on a new five-year deal on the south coast, so City and others are monitoring his situation.

Arsenal and Chelsea have also expressed an interest in Mitoma, though both clubs have so far been knocked back by the Seagulls. Mitoma has two years left on his existing contract and Brighton are attempting to persuade him to commit to longer, but he could yet be swayed by Guardiola’s interest.