De Zerbi doing everything to stop Mitoma signing for Man City
Roberto De Zerbi is desperate to keep Kaoru Mitoma at Brighton despite reported interest from Man City, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old has been widely linked with the treble-winners – who have lost decorated winger Riyad Mahrez to Al-Ahli this summer.
Mitoma was considered one of the top-performing wide players in the Premier League last season and is now attracting interest from England’s biggest sides.
However, a well-placed source has revealed that while a move cannot be ruled out – it would take a “huge” fee for Brighton to even consider parting with the Japan international.
The Seagulls are already demanding top dollar from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool for standout midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Brighton are ready to put up a similar fight to keep hold of Mitoma – who only made his first Premier League appearance 12 months ago.
The winger, who originally signed for the south coast club in 2021, notched 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions as De Zerbi’s side secured Europa League qualification.
He has also recently become a fully-fledged Japan international, scoring seven goals in his first 17 caps after making his senior debut in November 2021.
Mitoma is under contract at the Amex Stadium until June 2025, and earns a reported wage of £10,000-a-week.
Man City have already completed big-money deals for Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic so far this summer.
Brighton kick off the 2023-24 campaign against Luton on Saturday (12 August), while City lost on penalties against Arsenal in the curtain-raising Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday (6 August).
In other news, English club want “huge” signing from Man City.