Is Man City Star Riyad Mahrez on the move to PSG?
This summer, Paris Saint-Germain will undergo significant changes, inviting new management, a new manager, or roster turnover. New players are entering the squad, and reports have mentioned a few names that could join the team as the transfer window approaches.
Riyad Mahrez joining PSG ?One of the most attention-seeking names on the radar over the past few days is Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez. The 31-year-old will not be bound to any club by the end of summer, although he has played exceptionally for the Premier League club. So PSG has been in active pursuit of the Algerian winger.
PSG is Not the Only Team Interested
Besides PSG, AC Milan will also be pining for the Algeria international. The upcoming transfer awaits the summer window, although talks have not yet started. Till now, Mahrez has made 43 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, securing 23 goals and managing eight assists. If he joins PSG, Riyad Mahrez will substitute the production left behind by Angel Di Maria. His contract expires in June 2023, so a departure is in the cards. There is no sign of him signing an extension, so PSG are preparing to let go of him, which PSG is anticipating. Replacements for Maria could happen soon, and Mahrez is a top target.
Riyad Mahrez choosing PSG could mean he would be playing for Tottenham's current boss, Antonio Conte, who could replace Mauricio Pochettino. Manchester City could take serious measures to retain Riyad Mahrez. Still, Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly preparing a bold move to clinch the winger, as reported by French football journalist Nabil Djellit. The Parisians might make an offer recording an increase in his £120,000 a week wages, but Mahrez has not decided yet. However, reports suggest that he could end up signing the contract.
Other Players Rocking the Same Boat
Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are two more players in similar situations. Barcelona is interested in sacking Sterling, while other reports point to Arsenal striking a proposition for Jesus. Among the three of them, Riya Mahrez is the most likely to re-sign, but it remains whether an offer from PSG could change his mind.
Manchester City Respect Riyad Mahrez
Considering his age, the 31-year-old could be looking at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if he wants to test new waters in the sport. As a policy, PSG is not very keen on signing a player in his 30s. They already have Lionel Messi and Neymar in their territory, so hunting for younger players makes more sense. However, Mahrez's spectacular run and goal-scoring abilities for City fight the notion clubs have about age.
The former Leicester City star is yet to live his best days in football. The city is devoted to Mahrez, but PSG might add more to the contract offer. As of now, the teams are more focused on the remainder of the season. The city is trying to fixate their attention on the Premier League and Champions League, which means transfer talks will hold for quite some time.