Premier League leaders Manchester City are determined to complete their third signing within two days as they ramp up their pursuit of Algerian superstar Riyad Mahrez. Having signed Aymeric Laporte and Jack Harrison yesterday, they are hopeful of completing a move for wantaway Mahrez as well.
According to reports, the Algerian superstar has already handed in a transfer request to his current club while Manchester City have also made their third bid, after being rebuffed in their previous attempts.
However, with such a large fee involved, is it really necessary for Manchester City to splash the cash on the African superstar?
Manchester City have been in fine form this season, leading the league by a comprehensive margin. The players have really evolved under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola it seems. The Citizens have scored an incredible 70 goals this season, 13 more than the second-best offensive team in the league in the shape of Liverpool.
While the likes of Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus have been scoring goals for fun, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling’s impressive performances have by far been the highlight of their season. Sterling and Sane have combined for an astonishing 21 goals this season along with 17 assists.
However, that being said, head coach Pep Guardiola’s job might get tougher in the second half of the season with Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane both being sidelined through injury. The German International, in particular, has torn his ligament and his return is yet unknown.
Therefore, it’s only obvious that Pep Guardiola will be eager to add some offensive reinforcements in order to replace the cunning attacking duo of Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane.
Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez has been one of the league’s best wingers for the past two seasons or so. Since his amazing breakthrough in the 2015/16 season, where he helped his side lift the Premier League title, Mahrez’s rise in stock has been breathtaking.
This season has been no different for Riyad Mahrez, who has notched up nine goals and provided nine assists in all competitions.
Furthermore, Leroy Sane’s future has been in doubt, of late, with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid showing interest in the 22-year-old. Therefore, Riyad Mahrez could not only improve Man City’s quality in the attacking department but will also be an indirect replacement for Leroy Sane, should he ever decide to leave the club in the nigh future.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored