Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, with Zinedine Zidane a keen admirer.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Real Madrid are interested in securing the services of Riyad Mahrez in the summer transfer window. The defending La Liga champions have already enquired about the Manchester City winger and a transfer could be in the offing.
Mahrez arrived at Manchester City from Leicester City in the summer of 2018, having already once been named the PFA Player of the Year while also winning the Premier League title with Leicester City in the 2015/16 season. Upon arriving at the Etihad, the Algerian international was slow to grow into the role of a regular under Pep Guardiola, but has flourished in the last couple of years or so.
Till date, Mahrez has a decent tally of 33 goals and as many assists in 129 appearances for the Citizens. With the 30-year-old constantly improving at Manchester City, he has managed to pique the interest of one of the biggest clubs in the world, with Real Madrid showing an interest in him,
Real Madrid are set to enter a period of transition after enduring a difficult 2020/21 campaign so far. Attack, in particular, has suffered a great deal this season, with Karim Benzema the only player showing any semblance of consistency.
While Eden Hazard has been in and out of the side due to his frustrating fitness situation, the likes of Marco Asensio, Rodrygo Goes and Vinicius Jr. have been incredibly inconsistent, with their inexperience being a telling factor. Apart from the aforementioned quartet, only Lucas Vazquez has impressed, but he faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid, with his contract winding down.
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Therefore, Los Blancos are set to be plunged into the transfer market to reinforce their attack, with Mahrez being identified as a possible target, with Zinedine Zidane an admirer of his talents. In fact, the report suggests that Real Madrid have already submitted an enquiry to sign the Algerian winger.
Manchester City, though, might not be too receptive to an offer just yet, with Pep Guardiola eager to keep hold of the player. In such a scenario, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid can turn the player’s head, or if the Premier League heavyweights succeed in retaining his services.
