Pep Guardiola has revived his interest in Riyad Mahrez, with Manchester City’s manager having continued to monitor the Leicester forward following the breakdown of a prospective deal in January.
Mahrez saw a move to the Etihad Stadium collapse during the winter transfer window after the 2016 Premier League champions stated it would take a “mind-blowing offer” from City to prise him away. City were quoted a package worth around £95m, while they themselves valued the 27-year-old closer to £60m. While no formal offer was made for Mahrez, who is contracted until 2020, informal discussions between City’s chief executive, Ferran Soriano, and his opposite number, Susan Whelan, did occur.
Manchester City ultimately walked away from the deal, leading to a furious and upset Mahrez effectively going on strike by failing to report for training for the next two weeks. He also handed in a formal transfer request in a bid to force through a move. That was withdrawn but there is little doubt that Mahrez would still be keen to join City were they to make another approach for him this summer.
Guardiola is also intent on signing a midfielder to replace Yaya Touré following his departure from City. Napoli’s Jorginho is the manager’s principal target and it is believed he is closing in on a deal for the 26-year-old, who is valued at €60m (£52.5m) by his current employers.
