Manchester City moving for ‘extraordinary’ Brazilian to replace Mahrez

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Manchester City are turning to former Leeds United star Raphinha as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez.

Barcelona winger Raphinha could make a swift return to the Premier League with Manchester City now looking into signing him.

That is according to a report from Foot Mercato, who claim that City would like to sign Raphinha this summer.

City are on the verge of losing winger Riyad Mahrez, with Al Ahli on the verge of securing his signature.

Mahrez will leave a hole in City’s attack and Pep Guardiola may dip into the market to add another right-sided, left-footed winger.

Raphinha is now on the radar and it’s stated that City’s Txiki Begiristain has made initial contact with Deco – Barcelona’s director of football and Raphinha’s former agent – to ask about a deal.

Barcelona would seemingly be open to selling Raphinha in order to raise vital funds but the Brazilian wants to stay.

That leaves this potential transfer up in the air, but City may just be able to convince him to move.

Arsenal would surely hate to see Raphinha join Manchester City

Raphinha was superb in the Premier League for Leeds United and defences may fear him joining City.

The Brazilian racked up 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 Leeds games following a 2020 move from Rennes.

That record sparked a major battle for Raphinha and Arsenal were right in the mix.

Fabrizio Romano suggested last summer that Raphinha had become an ‘obsession’ for Arsenal and technical director Edu.

Raphinha wanted Barcelona over Arsenal, but whilst the Gunners missed out last summer, they tried again in January.

Sky Sports claimed in January that Arsenal had contacted Deco to ask about a transfer after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk.

Arsenal clearly have a long-standing interest in Raphinha and with more cover and competition for Bukayo Saka wanted, the Gunners may yet still be keen.

Mikel Arteta and co want to chase City down this season, so seeing a long-term Arsenal target join them would sting a little.

This will all come down to whether Raphinha is ready to give up on his Barcelona dream after just a year.

Xavi may have hailed Raphinha as ‘extraordinary’ but joining City could take him to another level – and leave him battling directly against Arsenal in the Premier League title chase.