PEP GUARDIOLA will move for Kaoru Mitoma next after finally landing £77million Josko Gvardiol.
Centre-back Gvardiol, 21, arrived from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal, joining Croatian pal Mateo Kovacic as Manchester City’s second summer buy.
2
And Japanese winger Mitoma, 26, is also on the radar, with a five-year contract offer still to be signed at Brighton.
His current deal has two years left but the Seagulls are keen to tie him down for longer and have already knocked back interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
City chief Guardiola wants to bring in a new wideman after Riyad Mahrez’s £30m move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.
The Spaniard is a big fan of Mitoma — who can play on either flank — and singled him out for praise during City’s pre-season Far East tour.
Ahead of their friendly against Yokohama F Marinos, Guardiola was asked about the quality of Asian football.
"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."
Most read in Football
DREAM TEAM IS LIVE - JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
Mitoma has been identified by the treble winners as a potential replacement for Mahrez.
However, Brighton are unlikely to allow the Japanese international to leave easily.
And given Mitoma's instant impact on the Premier League last season, he could cost up to £50million.
Brighton have already sold Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool this summer in a £35m deal.
While Chelsea continue to chase a deal for Moises Caicedo - with the Seagulls rejecting a fourth offer of £90m earlier this week.
And City's interest in Mitoma could wreck the Blues' hopes of finally getting the Ecuadorian, with Brighton unlikely to let both leave this window.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football
2
