Al Ahli are pushing for Man City star Riyad Mahrez and should the Algerian leave the Etihad this summer, the Premier League champions could focus on bringing in a winger from Barcelona.
According to the Daily Mail, Al Ahli have made an improved £27m offer for Mahrez after their initial bid of £18m was rejected this week. The Saudi club have guaranteed City £23.2m plus £3.8m in bonuses but the Manchester club are likely to hold out for the £30m valuation they have placed on the 32-year-old.
Should this deal get over the line, Foot Mercato‘s Santi Aouna reports that Man City are eyeing a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha as Mahrez’s replacement. City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain and Deco have already been in contact this week over a move and the journalist states that Barcelona are willing to listen to any offer.
? Manchester City are eyeing a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha if Riyad Mahrez leaves for Saudi Arabia.
Txiki Begiristain and Deco have already been in contact this week. Barcelona are willing to listen to any offer. ??
(Source: @Santi_J_FM) pic.twitter.com/UlXnIAMeEC
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 19, 2023
Raphinha only joined the Catalan side last summer from Leeds and has a contract in Spain until 2027. The Brazilian had a mixed campaign this past season, where he scored 10 goals and assisted a further 12 across 50 matches.
Guardiola seems to believe that the 26-year-old is the ideal replacement for Mahrez and it remains to be seen how this situation plays out in Manchester.