Manchester City will reportedly look to sign Barcelona attacker Raphinha, a target for Chelsea, to replace Riyad Mahrez.
According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Riyad Mahrez is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions view the Barcelona attacker as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez. And he is also a target for Chelsea over a move in the ongoing transfer window.
Raphinha has come a long way since his humble beginnings in his homeland. He moved to Portugal in February 2016 as a 19-year-old before rising in prominence during his stint with Sporting CP. And after a short spell with Stade Rennais, the 26-year-old moved to England, joining Leeds United in October 2020.
The Brazilian international was a talismanic figure for Leeds United, helping them evade relegation in his second and final season. And Raphinha’s progress captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Barcelona. The Blaugrana eventually beat Arsenal and Chelsea to his signature last summer by completing a deal worth €58 million.
The former Leeds United talisman had his fair share of problems at Spotify Camp Nou last season. But he recovered well to finish the 2022/23 campaign strongly. And Raphinha’s tally was a solid ten goals and 12 assists in 50 appearances for Barcelona. But amid Barcelona’s never-ending financial problems, he faces an uncertain future at the club. And Manchester City and Chelsea are his prospective suitors.
Chelsea attempted to secure Raphinha’s services last summer before a move failed to materialise. But with the player facing an uncertain future at FC Barcelona, he has emerged on Chelsea’s radar again. And Mauricio Pochettino has urged the West London club to land him. But the Blues face stiff competition from Manchester City for the 26-year-old.
The Premier League champions are in a spot of bother over the future of Riyad Mahrez. And the Algerian international is on the verge of leaving Manchester City to move to Saudi Arabia. Mahrez’s departure will open up a spot in the Manchester City attack, one that Raphinha can fill.
Barcelona can hope to recoup even more than the €58 million they paid to secure Raphinha’s services. And with Manchester City in the hunt, a big-money deal might be on the cards. But it will be interesting to see if the Brazilian international is ready to leave his dream club to move back to England this summer.
