Chelsea and PSG are keeping close tabs on Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez, who may leave the Etihad in the summer.
A recent report from Foot Mercato has offered an update on the future of Riyad Mahrez. The attacker’s current contract with Manchester City expires in 2023, but there hasn’t been much progress regarding a contract extension. It has put PSG and Chelsea on red alert, with the two European giants reportedly weighing up a move in the summer.
PSG were one of the clubs in contention to sign Mahrez last summer, moments before they ended up with Lionel Messi. The Parisian juggernaut have been highly appreciative of the Algerian superstar in recent years due to his consistent performances in the Premier League. They have identified him as a viable replacement for Angel Di Maria.
Part of the Manchester City setup since 2018, Mahrez has racked up 60 goals and 44 assists during his three and a half year spell at the club. His flair on the right wing, coupled with his productivity and tendency to perform in big matches, have made him an asset for Pep Guardiola.
Mahrez’s contributions have been invaluable in helping Manchester City bag two Premier League titles since 2018. They are on their way to winning a third, with the Algerian emerging as the club’s joint top-scorer with ten goals.
The 31-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with PSG now prepared to make a move in the summer. They are joined by Chelsea, who may have to alter their transfer policy in light of Roman Abramovich’s impending exit. The Blues could be taken over by a Swiss-American consortium, which has recently lodged a bid to buy the club.
Under new ownership, Chelsea might look to bag bargains rather than spending big on players such as Erling Haaland. Mahrez, to that end, could prove to be an excellent option given his vast experience and proven track record in the Premier League.
Perhaps more importantly, the Algerian international is unlikely to cost a fortune, with the report suggesting a fee of around €35-40 million could be enough. It could make him a major coup for the Blues, who have already ruled out the possibility of signing Ousmane Dembele next summer.
