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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Man City star Riyad Mahrez 'identified as next target for Saudi Arabia move' and more transfer rumours

Riyad Mahrez has been earmarked as the next big-name target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli once they complete the signings of Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino, according to reports.

Multiple players from across Europe's top leagues have already made the move to Saudi Arabia this summer, following a massive cash injection for the league's top four sides from their Public Investment Fund. From the Premier League alone, the likes of Mendy, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves have all been signed.

Firmino will have a medical with Al-Ahli after leaving Liverpool as a free agent, and the Daily Mail reports that their next target will be Mahrez. Such is their eagerness to land the Algerian they are said to have offered him a two-year contract worth £43million per season - five times bigger than his current earnings at City.

The report adds that Mahrez would be open to winding down his career in the Saudi Pro League, but he is uncertain over moving this summer after just winning the treble. Al-Ahli would also have to negotiate a fee with City, who are unlikely to let him leave.

Elsewhere, TeamTalk reports that Arsenal will turn their attention to Joao Cancelo once their finalise a deal for Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta's side look set to win the race for Rice following City's withdrawal on Wednesday, having tabled a third bid of £100million plus £5million of add-ons. The 24-year-old has always preferred a move to the Emirates due to a guarantee of regular football.

Arteta lured players south from the Etihad last summer, signing Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. And the Spaniard looks set to return to his former club for out-of-favour Cancelo. The Portugal international was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich in January and will likely move on permanently this summer.

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