Man City eye move for Brighton star after completing Gvardiol deal

Arsenal left it late to beat Manchester City and lift the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

The Citizens had gone ahead in the second half courtesy of Cole Palmer’s stunning strike and Pep Guardiola’s side looked certain to triumph in the season curtain-raiser.

Things changed deep into added time, though, as Leandro Trossard’s deflected strike drew the Gunners level and sent the match to a penalty shootout.

Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri both missed their spot kicks, allowing Fabio Vieira the opportunity to win the trophy for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Portuguese converted his effort, sparking jubilant scenes in the Arsenal end at Wembley.

City will now be focusing on their Premier League opener against Burnley on Friday, but in the meantime it appears that they could be plotting a shock move for an attacking star.

As per The Sun, City could now make a move for Brighton and Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma after completing the signing of Josko Gvardiol.

Mitoma could be targeted by Manchester City between now and the end of the transfer window

Croatian defender Gvardiol joined City over the weekend in a deal worth around £77 million, but the report claims that Guardiola is now keen to bolster his attacking options.

The reigning league champions allowed Riyad Mahrez to depart the club last month and Mitoma is seen as a potential replacement for the Algeria international, the report claims.

Mitoma, 26, joined the Seagulls from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale back in 2021 and enjoyed a fine season last term.

The Japan international spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise, but returned to England last summer and made 41 appearances across all competitions last term.

He impressed for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists, but his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

The report claims that Brighton have offered Mitoma a new five-year deal in an effort to tie him down, and they have also rejected interest in the player from both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Mitoma’s current deal is set to expire in two years, but Brighton are unlikely to allow the player to leave this summer and could demand as much as £50 million to do so.