Transfer Talk: City target Raphinha as Mahrez replacement

Mitchell Fretton
LiveScore
Manchester City are eyeing Barcelona's Raphinha
Manchester City are eyeing Barcelona's Raphinha

Manchester City are targeting Barcelona winger Raphina as a replacement for Saudi Arabia-bound Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez, 32, is on the verge of joining Al-Ahli for £30million after spending five years with Pep Guardiola in Manchester.

He will join Ilkay Gundogan in leaving the Treble winners, with the future of Kyle Walker, Aymeric Laporte and Bernardo Silva also in doubt.

Foot Mercato claim Brazil speedster Raphinha is at the top of the Spaniard's list and it may be easy to strike a deal as Barcelona need to raise funds this summer.

The 26-year-old made 36 appearances in LaLiga last term, scoring seven goals and grabbing seven assists. 

He has previously impressed in the Premier League with Leeds, racking up 29 goal contributions in 65 games before earning his big-money move to Catalonia.

However, it remains unknown whether Raphinha himself would want to leave Spain having only spent one season with the Catalan club.

His contract runs until 2027, making things more complicated for both Barca and City should he wish to remain.

In other news

Marc Guehi came through the ranks at Chelsea
Marc Guehi came through the ranks at Chelsea

Chelsea are considering bringing Marc Guehi back to the club after losing Wesley Fofana through injury, according to The Guardian.

The Independent claim that Tottenham are targeting Brazil striker Pedro if they cannot keep hold of Harry Kane this summer.

Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic is furious with the club pricing him out of a move to Al-Hilal and has told officials that he will never play for the Cottagers again, say Sky Sports.

Tags

Manchester CityRaphinhaBarcelonaRiyad MahrezPremier LeagueSaudi Pro League (SPL)