According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Riyad Mahrez is under 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 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 to prominence with Sporting CP. And after a short spell at Stade Rennais, the 26-year-old moved to England, joining Leeds United in October 2020.
The Brazilian international was a talisman for Leeds United, helping them avoid relegation in his second and final season. Raphinha's progress captured Barcelona's attention. The Blaugrana beat Arsenal and Chelsea to his signature last summer by completing a €58 million deal.
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. Manchester City and Chelsea are his prospective suitors.
Chelsea attempted to secure Raphinha’s services last summer before a move failed to materialize. 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 sign him. But the Blues face stiff competition from Manchester City for the 26-year-old.
The Premier League champions are in a bit of trouble 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 Manchester City's attack, 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.
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