Manchester City have turned down Al-Ahli’s opening bid for Riyad Mahrez but are becoming increasingly resigned to losing the Algerian this summer, it has been reported, with a deal expected to get done.
Now 32-years-old, Mahrez appeared 47 times for the Cityzens last campaign, but only started 22 times in the Premier League and was left on the substitutes bench for all of the Champions League quarter-finals, semi-finals and final as well as the FA Cup showpiece as his side clinched an epic treble.
It has led to plenty of speculation around his future, and he has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi side Al-Ahli. As per Fabrizio Romano, a first bid has already been submitted for the Algerian, consisting of £18m plus a further £5m in performance-based add-ons.
However, Manchester City are holding out for closer to £30m, half of what they paid for the Algerian when they signed him from Leicester City. Despite their demands, Al Ahli are ‘increasingly confident’ of getting a deal done soon.
Saudi strike again
Already a common name this transfer window, the division have snuffed up some of the world’s best talent, with the likes of Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves among those who have taken their footballing skills east.
They remain far from done, and are keen to continue adding some of the worlds best talent after seemingly being handed carte blanche by the Public investment fund of Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ahli have been busy too, and have already signed Edouard Mendy from Chelsea as well as free agent Roberto Firmino this summer.
