Arteta previews Arsenal's Community Shield clash with Man City
Manchester City have reportedly earmarked Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma as a candidate to replace Riyad Mahrez. City boss Pep Guardiola is in the market for a new right-winger after the Algerian completed a £30million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
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Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was always likely to be in for a tough summer after leading his side to sixth place in the Premier League last season. The Italian's fears have materialised, with Alexis Mac Allister snapped up by Liverpool and Moises Caicedo attracting strong interest from Chelsea.
And he could now have a fight on his hands to keep hold of Mitoma. According to The Daily Star, the Japanese international's stellar 2022/23 campaign caught the eye of Guardiola.
The Sky Blues boss reportedly finds Mitoma a 'very interesting' prospect as he seeks out new blood to bolster his wide options at the Etihad Stadium.
The 26-year-old managed seven goals and five assists in the Premier League last season after spending the previous campaign on loan at Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise.
Having been one of the division's liveliest wingers last term, Mitoma could soon be the subject of a £50million-plus bid from City. Guardiola and co have plenty of pulling power in the market off the back of their remarkable treble triumph.
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And Mahrez's lucrative switch to the Middle East has opened up a vacancy on the right side of midfield. Although Bernardo Silva would be expected to fight for the position, the Portuguese is not certain to stay at the Etihad beyond the summer.
City have been slow and steady with their transfer progress over the past few weeks. Despite a smattering of important exits, only two players have been brought in, although Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol are both statement acquisitions.
Croatian international Gvardiol - signed for £77m - is viewed as one of the world's finest defenders. "I have always dreamed of one day playing in England and to be doing so now with Manchester City – after the season they have just had – is a real honour for me," he told club media.
"Anyone who saw Manchester City play last season knows they are the best team in the world. To win the treble says everything you need to know about the quality this team has. To be joining City is something very special for me and my family."
