Manchester City could step up their interest in long-term target Dani Olmo as a potential replacement for the outgoing Riyad Mahrez.
According to Football Insider, RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo could emerge as an option for Manchester City to replace Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez.
Having already waved goodbye to one crucial player this summer as Ilkay Gundogan left for Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract, treble-winners Manchester City could face a vast reorganisation of their squad next season, with more stars yet to follow the German out of the door.
Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo, Kyle Walker, and Bernardo Silva all have uncertain futures. But the one who currently appears closest to an exit is Mahrez. Saudi Arabian clubs have been splashing the cash in the transfer window in their efforts to recruit high-profile stars, and Mahrez could be the latest to follow the gold rush.
The Algerian has agreed personal terms over an initial two-year contract offer worth £43 million per season plus bonuses and has already jetted off to Dubai to undergo a medical. Al-Ahli’s offer to City is expected to be worth £30 million, a sizable sum for a 32-year-old who is out of contract in two years.
Though the winger wasn’t relied upon quite as much for goals last season following the arrival of Erling Haaland, he still remained a pivotal member of Pep Guardiola’s squad and contributed 15 goals and 13 assists. It is believed City were desperate to keep Mahrez at the Etihad Stadium, meaning his exit will now come as a massive blow to Guardiola and his squad.
That said, the Manchester City boss will likely be given the funds needed to replace the 32-year-old this summer and is said to be a long-term admirer of Spanish playmaker Dani Olmo.
The 25-year-old Spain international has emerged as one of the most sought-after attacking midfielders in Europe after impressing for both club and country in recent seasons. He has an impressive tally of 50 goal involvements (21 goals and 29 assists) in 123 games for Leipzig across all competitions. Last season, he had a hand in 16 goals from 31 outings in an injury-hit campaign.
His versatility would make him a useful player under a manager like Guardiola. Capable of playing as an advanced playmaker or as a forward himself, Olmo ticks a lot of boxes for Manchester City. That being said, Olmo just signed a new long-term deal at Red Bull Arena that will see him stay in Saxony until 2027. So Leipzig are under no immediate pressure to sell their prized asset.
Furthermore, the Bundesliga outfit have already recouped sizeable fees by selling Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku to Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively, this summer. It remains to be seen whether a tempting offer from City could change their minds, but they are in a really strong negotiating position if Guardiola does make an approach for Olmo in the coming weeks.
Manchester City could step up their interest in long-term target Dani Olmo as a potential replacement for the outgoing Riyad Mahrez.
According to Football Insider, RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo could emerge as an option for Manchester City to replace Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez.
Having already waved goodbye to one crucial player this summer as Ilkay Gundogan left for Barcelona upon the expiration of his contract, treble-winners Manchester City could face a vast reorganisation of their squad next season, with more stars yet to follow the German out of the door.
Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo, Kyle Walker, and Bernardo Silva all have uncertain futures. But the one who currently appears closest to an exit is Mahrez. Saudi Arabian clubs have been splashing the cash in the transfer window in their efforts to recruit high-profile stars, and Mahrez could be the latest to follow the gold rush.
The Algerian has agreed personal terms over an initial two-year contract offer worth £43 million per season plus bonuses and has already jetted off to Dubai to undergo a medical. Al-Ahli’s offer to City is expected to be worth £30 million, a sizable sum for a 32-year-old who is out of contract in two years.
Though the winger wasn’t relied upon quite as much for goals last season following the arrival of Erling Haaland, he still remained a pivotal member of Pep Guardiola’s squad and contributed 15 goals and 13 assists. It is believed City were desperate to keep Mahrez at the Etihad Stadium, meaning his exit will now come as a massive blow to Guardiola and his squad.
That said, the Manchester City boss will likely be given the funds needed to replace the 32-year-old this summer and is said to be a long-term admirer of Spanish playmaker Dani Olmo.
The 25-year-old Spain international has emerged as one of the most sought-after attacking midfielders in Europe after impressing for both club and country in recent seasons. He has an impressive tally of 50 goal involvements (21 goals and 29 assists) in 123 games for Leipzig across all competitions. Last season, he had a hand in 16 goals from 31 outings in an injury-hit campaign.
His versatility would make him a useful player under a manager like Guardiola. Capable of playing as an advanced playmaker or as a forward himself, Olmo ticks a lot of boxes for Manchester City. That being said, Olmo just signed a new long-term deal at Red Bull Arena that will see him stay in Saxony until 2027. So Leipzig are under no immediate pressure to sell their prized asset.
Furthermore, the Bundesliga outfit have already recouped sizeable fees by selling Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku to Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively, this summer. It remains to be seen whether a tempting offer from City could change their minds, but they are in a really strong negotiating position if Guardiola does make an approach for Olmo in the coming weeks.