Man City plot Kauro Mitoma transfer swoop and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are plotting a move for Brighton star Kauro Mitoma with Arsenal and Chelsea having been linked with the Japanese forward in recent months.

City finally secured their top summer target this past weekend after confirming the signing of RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol. The Blues have paid £77.5million to secure the centre-back who has taken the No.24 shirt at the Etihad.

Gvardiol is the second Croatian Pep Guardiola has added to his squad this summer following the signing of Mateo Kovacic but otherwise it’s been a slow transfer window in terms of incomings.

There could be more business to conduct before it closes on September 1 as City are interested in bolstering their attacking ranks.

Though Cole Palmer made a strong case for being Riyad Mahrez’ replacement following his fine goal against Arsenal on Sunday, City have been considering spending money on replenishing their forward numbers after the Algerian left for Saudi Arabia.

According to The Sun, Pep Guardiola wants to sign the Japanese forward as he looks to replace Riyad Mahrez – who left to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli this summer.

Mitoma’s 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.

ElsewҺeгe, Manchester City are keen to snap up Lyon’s Bradley Barcola, but Paris Saint-Germain remain in pole position.

PSG have been holding talks with Lyon in an attempt to agree a deal for Barcola, but there has been no breakthrough yet.

With no agreement in place, the door may be open for other clubs and, according to French radio station RMC, Manchester City and an unnamed Premier League side are keen.

They are admirers of the 20-year-old Frenchman and could make a move to try to snatch him away from PSG.

It has been suggested that €50m may be needed to sign the Lyon man and talks are continuing between the two clubs.