Manchester City to target Barcelona's Raphinha as Riyad Mahrez replacement?

Manchester City are reportedly considering a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez.

The Citizens are expected to delve into the transfer market for a new winger after allegedly agreeing to sell Mahrez to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli for £34.7m.

Mahrez has not been named in City's 25-man squad for their pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, as the Algeria international is scheduled to undergo his Al-Ahli medical on Thursday ahead of completing his move to the Middle East.

The 32-year-old is set to embark on a fresh challenge after five years at the Etihad Stadium, recording 78 goals and 59 assists in 236 games across all competitions as well as winning 11 trophies including four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

According to The Mirror, Man City could look to replace Mahrez with fellow left-footed winger Raphinha and they are weighing up a move for the 26-year-old.

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The report adds that Barca need to raise funds from player sales before they can register their new signings, including ex-Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who joined on a free transfer last month.

Raphinha joined the Catalan giants from Leeds United last summer for around £55m plus add-ons, and he celebrated winning the La Liga titles and Spanish Super Cup in 2022-23.

The Brazil international faced competition from Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres for a place in Xavi's side, but he managed to start 36 games and made 14 substitute outings in all competitions in his debut campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists.

Raphinha still has four years remaining on his contract at Camp Nou, but the winger has continuously been linked with a possible summer exit after just 12 months in Catalonia.

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Raphinha has reiterated his desire to remain at Barcelona and insisted last month that he will begin the 2023-24 campaign with the Catalan giants, despite reported interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich.

It remains to be seen whether Raphinha's stance will change if he learns of interest from Pep Guardiola's Man City, who won a historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season.

Raphinha is not the only winger believed to be on Man City's radar as a recent report claims that they have also identified RB Leipzig's versatile attacker Dani Olmo as a potential replacement for Mahrez.

The Citizens have made one signing so far this summer in midfielder Mateo Kovacic, but they are believed to be closing in on a second as they have reportedly reached a full agreement with Leipzig to sign defender Josko Gvardiol.