Manchester City winger Riyad Mazhrez is set to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in the summer transfer window and Pep Guardiola has already identified his next two targets.
Manchester City are on the lookout for a replacement as Riyad Mahrez is set to leave the club for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in a £30million deal and Pep Guardiola is keen on Barcelona winger Raphinha.
Mahrez, who joined City from Leicester in 2018 for £60m, has been a key player for the club, making 236 appearances and scoring 78 goals. During his time at City, Mahrez won four Premier League titles, three League Cups, two FA Cups, and the Champions League.
Al-Ahli, who were recently promoted to the Saudi Pro League, have offered Mahrez a lucrative two-year deal worth £40m per season. The club is one of four in Saudi Arabia that was taken over by the country’s Public Investment Fund in June, with the aim of attracting top talent from the Premier League.
With Mahrez’s departure imminent, City are eyeing Raphinha as a potential replacement, according to the Mirror. The 26-year-old Brazilian joined Barcelona last summer in a £55m move from Leeds.
He has had a decent spell at Barcelona, contributing 10 goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances for the club. However, Barcelona’s financial troubles may force them to sell players in order to raise funds for their new signings.
Raphinha’s playing style and skill set make him a suitable candidate to fill the void left by Mahrez. Guardiola is said to admire his abilities with City now preparing a move for the £40m-rated winger.
In addition to pursuing Raphinha, City are also making progress in their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s defender Josko Gvardiol. The Premier League champions are willing to pay £75m for the Croatian defender, who has already agreed to personal terms with the club.
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