Man City to go for Barca's Raphinha if Mahrez leaves

BeSoccer 1 year ago 4k |

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Raphinha cost Barca €58 million last summer. EFE

If Riyad Mahrez were to move to Saudi Arabia this summer, Manchester City would be looking to land Barca striker Raphinha. Txiki Begiristain and Deco, the two clubs' directors of football, have already been in contact this week, according to 'Foot Mercato'.

Riyad Mahrez is reportedly close to signing for Al Ahli for around €20 million. Although Manchester City have yet to accept the Saudi club's latest offer, the Sky Blues are already looking for his replacement.

According to 'Foot Mercato', the player in question is Barcelona's Brazilian winger. Txiki Begiristain (City's director of football) and Deco (Barça's director of football) have already been in contact to negotiate a possible transfer for Raphinha.

The Brazilian player, who fits the Algerian's profile, is highly appreciated by Guardiola. A left-footed dribbler capable of scoring goals, Raphinha cost Barca €58 million last summer.

While a transfer for the Brazilian international could be complicated to negotiate, the Cityzens want to count on youngsters Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, and even Julian Alvarez if Mahrez leaves, according to the English press.

For his part, Raphinha has repeatedly declared his desire to stay at Barcelona: "Of course I'm going to stay at Barcelona. Next season, the next and the next, I still have a lot of years left on my contract and I hope to fulfil them and more," he said at the end of last season.