Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a close watch on Manchester City’s star attacker Riyad Mahrez ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to a report from The Telegraph, reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid are closely monitoring Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez and will look to the Algerian international if they decide to sign a winger in the summer transfer window.
Mahrez, 30, made his name in the Premier League during the 2015/16 campaign when he played a crucial role in Leicester City’s shock title triumph. After a couple more seasons with the Foxes, the winger made the switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2018.
Having endured a slow start to life at the Etihad Stadium, Mahrez has hit top gear since last season, becoming a pivotal part of Pep Guardiola’s rampant unit. The Algerian has racked up a tally of 10 goals and 6 assists from 38 games in all competitions as the Cityzens continue to aim for an unprecedented quadruple.
Mahrez’s rise to stardom in England has attracted a lot of admirers across Europe, with Real Madrid being chief among them. The Merengues have been linked with a move previously for the 30-year-old and as per the report, continue to watch him closely.
Real Madrid will be in need of reinforcements in the attacking unit heading into the new season. Eden Hazard’s injury problems have made him highly unreliable while the likes of Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes haven’t been consistent enough in the wide areas.
Throw in the fact that Lucas Vazquez is edging closer to an exit as his contract nears expiry and Gareth Bale’s non-existent future at the club, it becomes quite evident that Zinedine Zidane & co. could certainly do with another top-quality wide player before the next season kicks off.
Mahrez, to that end, would be a viable target for the Spanish champions, given his proven pedigree and volumes of experience. The 30-year-old still has two years left on his contract though and given how integral he is to the team, it is unlikely that Manchester City would be willing to let him leave.
Even if they do, the Premier League leaders could demand a hefty price tag, making him out of reach for Real Madrid, who are going through a bit of a financial lurch and are hoping to fund a move for Erling Haaland as well. So, it remains to be seen if Los Blancos go after Mahrez or look at alternate targets such as Sevilla’s Bryan Gil.
