Manchester City agree personal terms for Riyad Mahrez replacement

Manchester City have agreed personal terms with winger Jeremy Doku, as Pep Guardiola seeks to replace the departed Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez, who signed from Leicester City for £60 million in 2018, left the Etihad Stadium to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli last month, despite penning a new deal until 2025 less than 12 months earlier.

The 32-year-old has left Manchester City scrambling for a replacement during the final weeks of the summer transfer window, with the Algerian forward having scored 15 goals and made a total of 47 appearances across all competitions for the Sky Blues last season.

Mahrez scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium in April, but didn’t feature in either the FA Cup Final against Manchester United or UEFA Champions League Final against Inter Milan.

Crystal Palace star Michael Olise and Stade Rennais’ Jeremy Doku have both emerged as potential replacements for the 32-year-old, with Manchester City now moving closer towards signing Doku from the French top division.

The Secret Scout report that Doku and his representatives have now agreed terms with Manchester City for a summer move to the Etihad Stadium, with club scouts having been monitoring the Belgian winger since 2017.

Fabrizio Romano further reveals that negotiations are ‘advanced’ on the player side, with Manchester City having been working on a transfer since the start of the month.

The 21-year-old made 35 appearances for Stade Rennais last season; scoring seven goals and assisting a further four.

Doku also registered two assists in the UEFA Europa League, featuring in four matches for French club.

Manchester City are also working on a move for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta, with the two clubs currently in talks regarding a transfer.

City are currently negotiating with West Ham over a deal for Paqueta, but are yet to submit an official offer for the midfielder, City Xtra understand.