Manchester City ‘strongly consider’ move for €60 million Riyad Mahrez replacement

Etihad Stadium officials could still turn towards a high-profile investment in order to replace Riyad Mahrez in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad this summer.

City are continuing to scour the market for new faces for their squad ahead of the new season, after most recently completing a deal for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol – understood to be worth in the region of £78 million.

That search is expected to take the club’s transfer officials in the direction of both a central midfielder, and a wide attacker, with options in the Premier League understood to be catching the eye of Manchester City.

However, the latest development concerns a player slightly further afield, but a name that some within the Manchester City squad will be more than familiar with, especially the club’s current vice-captain Kevin De Bruyne.

According to the information of The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Stade Rennais and Belgium international winger Jérémy Doku is now being ‘strongly considered’ at Manchester City in the Premier League champions’ hunt for a Riyad Mahrez replacement.

As yet however, it is stated that there has been no official offer made by Manchester City to the Ligue 1 club for the 21-year-old.

However the Telegraph reports that the forward is expected to be the French club’s record departure when he eventually leaves, surpassing the £35 million West Ham paid for Nayef Aguerd in the summer of 2022.

It is claimed that Jérémy Doku is valued at between €50 million and €60 million by his current side, with personal terms ‘not believed to be an issue’ should a deal with Manchester City progress as planned by the Etihad club.

Alongside interest in Doku, Manchester City are also engaged in active dialogue with West Ham United over the possibility of signing Brazilian international midfielder Lucas Paqueta – who is valued at £85 million by the London club.

As yet, City have also not submitted a formal offer, but saw verbal discussions over a £70 million deal rejected by London Stadium bosses, who in turn hold an interest in Etihad winger Cole Palmer.

The future of the England under-21 international continues to be uncertain as the start of the Premier League season looms, however City are seemingly open to both a loan or permanent deal for one of their most exciting Academy graduates.