Transfer Centre

Real Madrid interested in Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 10 March 2021

Real Madrid manger Zinedine Zidane reportedly identifies Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez as a transfer target for the upcoming summer window.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is reportedly keen to bring Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez to the Bernabeu for the 2021-22 campaign.

Like most of the attackers in Pep Guardiola's ranks, Mahrez is not a consistent starter for the runaway Premier League leaders, but he has chipped in with eight goals and five assists across all competitions this term.

The former Leicester City man is under contract at the Etihad until 2023, and while Guardiola is supposedly keen to keep him on the books, Real Madrid are ready to test City's resolve this summer.

According to Foot Mercato, Zidane has identified a number of targets for the reigning La Liga champions ahead of the new campaign, and Mahrez features on the Frenchman's list.

With Eden Hazard plagued by injuries and Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior often flattering to deceive, the report claims that the final third is a key area for Zidane to strengthen for next season - especially with Karim Benzema not getting any younger as well.

Mahrez has scored 33 goals and assisted 33 more for City in all competitions since his arrival in 2018 - winning one Premier League title, one FA Cup and two EFL Cups with the Manchester giants in that time.