Manchester City and Real Madrid interested in Premier League star linked with club-record contract renewal

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Brighton sensation Kaoru Mitoma amid talk of a contract renewal at the Amex Stadium, as per reports.

Mitoma, 25, joined the Seagulls in 2021 from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale on a four-year contract, spending the 2021/22 campaign on loan in Belgium at Union Saint-Gilloise.

However, since his return to the south coast, the Japan international has lit up the English top-flight and has risen as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attackers.

The Kawasaki-born winger’s ability to beat a man and directness in and around the opposition box have seen him register nine goals and six assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this term.

Mitoma’s starring displays for Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season have attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, who have reportedly enquired about the possibility of signing the Japanese forward.

However, whilst Brighton will be braced for any upcoming approaches for one of their most in-form players, the Seagulls are understood to be on the verge of rewarding Mitoma with a new contract at the Amex Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to TEAMtalk, Graeme Bailey of 90min said: “It is not surprising that clubs from across Europe are looking at him (Mitoma).

“If he was on the market, Mitoma would have his pick of clubs. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City have all taken an interest in his progress.”

Brighton are renowned as one of the best negotiators in the transfer market following their high-profile sales of Ben White and Marc Cucurella to Arsenal and Chelsea in the last two seasons.

The south coast club’s dealings are led by chairman Tony Bloom and chief executive officer Tony Bloom, who will be keen on tying down Mitoma to an improved contract after what has been a breakthrough debut season for the forward in England.

“However, just one season in and Brighton are not going to be selling but they will be rewarding him (Mitoma) with a huge new deal,” Bailey added. “Mitoma’s current deal runs to 2025 but Brighton will reward him.”

After a major overhaul in their attack last summer that saw Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez join, Manchester City are, at this point, unlikely to make any major additions to their frontline, instead expected to invest heavily in their midfield.

Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham has been linked with a sensational switch to the Etihad Stadium this summer, with Real Madrid expected to battle the Blues for the teenager’s signature as Liverpool look increasingly unlikely to bring the midfielder to Anfield.