Manchester City are on the hunt for a winger after the sale of Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahly is reportedly close and have been linked with Rodrigo Riquelme.
Atletico Madrid winger Rodrigo Riquelme has been linked with a move to Pep Guardiola’s side as a replacement for the Algerian winger, according to Spanish outlet AS.
According to the report, the 23-year-old winger will either be given first-team opportunities under Diego Simeone or will be sold.
The winger will not go out on loan again after spending last season on loan at Girona. This could bode well for Guardiola’s side’s chances of signing the Spaniard due to City’s links with the Spanish side.
The winger has a contract with Atletico until 2028 and, according to the same report, is desperate to succeed at the Wanda Metropolitana.
Despite this, the attacker is reportedly ‘very popular’ amongst teams in the Premier League, although City are the only team mentioned in the report from the Premier League.
Real Betis, managed by former City boss Manuel Pellegrini, are also thought to have an interest in Riquelme.
Manchester City target Rodrigo Riquelme is a gem
As mentioned, the Spaniard spent the season out on loan in La Liga at Girona and was certainly veyr good with four goals and four assists for the Spanish side.
Riquelme, according to FBREF, excels in dribbling in particular with the winger ranking the highest in Europe’s top five leagues at progressive carries, Successful take-ons, and touches in the penalty box.
His dribbling strength may well be what City needs following the impending loss of Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Arabia.
The winger would no doubt be exceptional under Guardiola’s tutelage and the treble winners are, according to the same report, in the lead for the 23-year-old’s signature. But despite this, the Spaniard seems keen on staying in Spain under Diego Simeone for now.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
