From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City face Chelsea competition for £35 million Riyad Mahrez replacement

Manchester City have identified Crystal Palace star Michael Olise as a potential replacement for the departing Riyad Mahrez.

The treble-winners are expected to be in the transfer market for a new winger this summer, as Manchester City look to replace Riyad Mahrez, who is set to complete a £30 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

Mahrez will become the third Premier League player to sign for Al Ahli this summer, after Manchester City allowed the Algerian to miss the Blues’ pre-season tour of east Asia, in order to finalise a transfer to the Middle East.

The 32-year-old signed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2025 last year, but will leave the club after failing to feature in either the FA Cup Final or Champions League Final at the end of last season.

Manchester City are in the market for a potential replacement, and have been linked with both Raphinha and Dani Olmo, although the club have quickly distanced themselves from the two players, despite recent reports.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Crystal Palace star and Chelsea target Michael Olise is on Manchester City’s transfer list, as the Sky Blues target a new wide forward as a result of Mahrez’s imminent exit.

Olise registered 11 assists and scored two goals for Crystal Palace last season, but suffered a concerning grade three hamstring tear during the U21 European Championships, where the forward was representing France.

The 21-year-old is expected to miss the start of the new campaign due to the injury, sustained during an Under-21 Euros Group Stage match against Norway last month.

Manchester City are ‘awaiting clarity’ on the issue according to Romano, who reports that Chelsea are also interested in signing the Palace player this summer.

Olise moved to Selhurst Park from Reading for £8 million two years ago, and has a release clause worth around £35 million within his current Crystal Palace contract.

The young winger featured in 37 Premier League matches for the Eagles last season and was offered a new contract earlier this year, amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Losing the 21-year-old would be a further blow to Roy Hodgson’s pre-season preparations, with fresh claims that star player Wilfried Zaha is preparing to sign for Galatasaray on a free transfer.

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