Chelsea foresee rising sums with £4m bid for Japan star

Chelsea have made a bid for the FC Tokyo and Japan forward Yoshinori Muto, which is believed to be worth £4 million (€5.5 million). The move comes as the London club plan a week-long post-season tour to Japan, in conjunction with their new shirt sponsor, Yokohama Rubber, and it was confirmed by the FC Tokyo president, Naoki Ogane.

“It is true that Chelsea sent us an offer for Muto,” Ogane told Sports Nippon. “It is a formal offer with conditions. They want to acquire him in the summer.”

Muto has been quoted in Japan as saying that he is yet to make up his mind over whether to sign for Chelsea.

“I have not decided yet at all,” Muto said. “It is an honour for me to receive this offer from a great club.”

Muto (22) has 11 caps for Japan and he played for them during their run to the quarter-finals of the Asia Cup.

Quick and skilful, he can play off either flank or as a second striker and he has impressed in the J-League, scoring 13 goals last season – his first as a professional – and three more so far this time around.

Should Chelsea visit Japan at the end of the season with Muto, who has a degree in economics, on their books, the media attention and excitement would be ratcheted up even further.