Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling have uncertain futures at Manchester City as their contracts are up in 2023 and neither player is close to putting pen to paper on an extension.
Mahrez and Sterling are key players under Pep Guardiola and greatly contributed to City’s Premier League triumph this season, so the club are desperate to tie them down to new deals.
But if the duo refuse to extend their contract, City may be forced to cash in early rather than risk losing them for nothing. It appears Guardiola may be planning for their departure as Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato says he’s identified a potential replacement – Rafael Leao.
The 22-year-old joined title-winners AC Milan from LOSC Lille in 2019 and has gone on to make 115 appearances in all competitions, scoring 27 goals with 21 assists. Leao has scored 14 goals with 12 assists from 42 games this season, so it’s easy to see why City are keen.
The Portuguese international has two years remaining on his deal in Milan and is in talks over extending his stay, but Aouna says he could be on the his way out amid interest from several clubs. City have spoken with his agent Jorge Mendes, so they’re clearly getting the ball rolling.
Time will tell if their pursuit is successful, but wouldn’t a deal hinge on Mahrez or Sterling leaving?
In other news, Riyad Mahrez won’t leave Man City this summer despite uncertain future