
In-form Japan striker Yoshinori Muto is expected to join Germany's Mainz 05 after rejecting an offer from English Premier League champions Chelsea, newspapers said Tuesday.
The Bundesliga team and Muto's current club, FC Tokyo, have reached a basic agreement on the 22-year-old's transfer, Sports Nippon daily said, quoting unnamed Mainz officials.
Details of his salary were not made available, but the paper said Mainz are ready to offer 3.0 million euros (402 million yen) as a transfer fee.
Nikkan Sports said other Bundesliga clubs were also sounding out the J-league team over a possible swoop.
The reports came after Chelsea made a formal offer for Muto worth a reported $5.9 million, which would have been a record transfer from the J-League to an overseas club.
But with the English team's depth of talent and experience, particularly up front, there were concerns Muto might struggle to get playing time.
The German league, where Japanese players including Shinji Kagawa have thrived, would be likely to offer Muto more opportunities to get off the bench, the Sports Nippon said.
An FC Tokyo spokeswoman declined to comment on the reports.
Muto began his professional career at FC Tokyo last year, scoring 13 goals in 33 games to match the first-division record for a player in his rookie season.
The baby-faced striker also made his debut for Japan in 2014 and bagged his first international goal in a 2-2 draw against Venezuela in September.
Muto has eight goals in 11 games this season, helping FC Tokyo move into joint second place in the J-League standings just one point behind leaders Urawa Reds.
Source: AFP
GMT 22:55 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Manchester United retain world's richest club statusGMT 05:19 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Man City midfielder Fernandinho signs contract extension to 2020GMT 13:46 2018 Friday ,19 January
Borussia Dortmund deny contact with Arsenal for Pierre-Emerick AubameyangGMT 13:38 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Chelsea edge into FA Cup fourth round, Bournemouth rockedGMT 10:38 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Arsenal 'target' Malcom faces rap over videoGMT 07:49 2018 Tuesday ,16 January
Football: Giggs set to be named as Wales bossGMT 07:08 2018 Monday ,15 January
Sevilla let Real off hook with Alaves defeatGMT 07:02 2018 Saturday ,13 January
Everton in talks to sign Arsenal's Walcott

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor