Chelsea have emerged as surprise contenders for the signature of Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez.
The Algerian winger is City’s top scorer across all competitions so far this season, but has only started 13 of the club’s Premier League games and is being linked with a move away.
According to L’Equipe via Football London, City are faced with a dilemma as the winger approaches the final year of his current contract with the club.
The 31-year-old’s current deal is set to expire next summer, and he is yet to commit to an extension, meaning that the upcoming transfer window could be City’s last chance to cash in on the player.
The report claims that the Algerian is currently valued at around £36 million, having scored 23 goals across all competitions this term.
Chelsea are interested in signing the forward, as they look to add a proven goal scorer to their misfiring front line.
Less than half of the games Mahrez has started this season have been in the Premier League
£100 million man Romelu Lukaku has struggled during his first season back in England, and is being heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge once again.
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly considering selling one of his attacking options, with Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech the most likely candidates to leave.
That would free up space for Mahrez, although the Blues face stiff competition for the City player.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also both interested in Mahrez, according to the report, with PSG lining him up as a replacement for Angel di Maria, while Madrid consider him a suitable heir to Eden Hazard.
The performances of Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling, as well as the arrival of Jack Grealish, have limited Mahrez’ playing time this term.
Mahrez arrived in Manchester in 2018 for just over £60 million after an outstanding run of form with former club Leicester City.