According to reports, Manchester City has contacted Barcelona about a summer transfer of Raphinha.
WHAT HAPPENED? According to Foot Mercato, City are very interested in Raphinha this summer, especially if Mahrez decides to leave the team. Al-Ahli, which is prepared to offer €20 million (£17 million/$22 million) for the forward, has been connected to the Algerian international, and City are interested in replacing him with the ex-Leeds United star. According to reports, Mahrez and the Saudi club have already agreed to personal terms.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Raphinha joined Barcelona only last summer and has already made 50 appearances, making 10 goals and assisting 12 others. He has a contract that runs through 2027, but Barca is reportedly open to considering any bids, with no price involved.
And to top it off, City is slightly rebuilding its team this summer and has already lost Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona. Kyle Walker has also reached a deal with Bayern Munich for a move.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT? Before stepping up its search for a replacement, City might need to sell Mahrez. Raphinha might feature in Barca’s first preseason friendly against Juventus on July 22 after being added to the team for their preseason tour of the United States.
