With Riyad Mahrez poised for a move to Saudi Arabia, Manchester City have reportedly identified a Barcelona star to be the Algerian's replacement should he leave.
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A number of the players who helped the Citizens make history in winning the treble last season appear to be on their way out.
Former captain Ilkay Gundogan recently departed for Barcelona, Aymeric Laporte seems destined for a move back to Spain, while Kyle Walker's transfer to Bayern Munich and Bernardo Silva's switch to Paris Saint-Germain look likelier by the day.
Another player who looks certain for an exit from the Etihad Stadium is Algeria's captain Mahrez.
The 33-year-old is understood to be keen on a move to the Saudi Pro League, where it is rumoured the skilful winger would earn £450 000 (R10.3 million) a week, with Al Ahli leading the race for his services.
While it was previously said that Pep Guardiola sees young stars such as Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Cole Palmer as suitable cover for Mahrez, the Spanish tactician is now interested in signing Barca winger Raphinha to succeed the French-born winger, according to Foot Mercato.
The Brazilian was previously in the Premier League with Leeds United in 2021/22, and it was after he helped them stave off relegation that the dynamic attacker secured a transfer to the Blaugrana. However, the feeling for many is that the 26-year-old had an erratic debut season at the Camp Nou.
The same report claims that Barca would be open to selling Raphinha, but only if a figure in the region of €60 million (R1.2 billion) is proposed.
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While it is believed the forward would prefer to stay in Catalonia, the LALIGA club needs funds to sign and register other players.
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