Riyad Mahrez had an uncertain future at Manchester City as his contract was up in 2023 without a new deal being on the horizon, but Foot Mercato say the Premier League champions are finally making progress on an extension.
According to Santi Aouna and Aurelien Leger-Moec’s report, talks with City and Mahrez have ‘advanced’ and he could be signing a new deal this summer. Pep Guardiola ‘wants’ the Algerian international to stay and may get his wish.
Gabriel Jesus is close to signing for Arsenal and Raheem Sterling is in talks over a move to Chelsea, so the City manager could be short of two wide forwards. He’s signed Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, but would only have Jack Grealish who’s a natural out wide.
Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva can operate in the makeshift role, but the pair predominantly played through the middle this season. Mahrez scored 24 goals with nine assists from 47 games, so he’s too important to let go at the same time as Jesus and Sterling.
There wasn’t an obvious destination for the 31-year-old either, so it makes sense for him to stay in Manchester. Foot Mercato say Mahrez may only be extending his contract by another 12 months, however, so his time at the Etihad is eventually coming to an end.
In other news, Man City man had head turned in 2021 and texted Barcelona officials for a transfer