Manchester City have reportedly identified Bradley Barcola as a potential Riyad Mahrez successor. The Citizens are about to enter the transfer market, with Mahrez on the verge of joining the Saudi Pro League.
After it was revealed that a £34.7m offer from Al-Ahli had been approved, Mahrez was left out of Man City’s pre-season tour.
Algeria international, who joined Man City from Leicester City in 2018, is expected to sign a three-year contract with Al-Ahli.
With Mahrez on his way out, the reigning European champions are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.
According to 90min, Manchester City are examining Lyon’s Barcola as a potential replacement for Mahrez.
Manchester City keen on signing Bradley Barcola
According to the report, Pep Guardiola’s side are fans of the 20-year-old after scouting him throughout the 2022-23 season.
Barcola rose through the Lyon youth ranks to make 44 competitive appearances for the senior side.
The winger established himself in the first team during the second half of last season, finishing with seven goals and ten assists in 31 games.
Barcola, who is under contract until June 2026, is also being pursued by French champions PSG and Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
Both clubs have expressed interest in the kid, with PSG reported to be stepping up their pursuit after speaking with Barcola’s agent, Jorge Mendes.
Man City are also contemplating Rayan Cherki of Lyon and Gabri Veiga of Celta Vigo as alternatives for Barcola.
According to a recent report, Barcelona winger Raphinha is another option to replace Mahrez at the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League and European Champions will once again look to maintain a proper squad depth. As, after winning the treble, Pep’s next target would be making Man City the first side to win a quadruple.
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