Man City identify Ligue 1 star as potential Mahrez replacement

Manchester City face Arsenal on Sunday in the Community Shield at Wembley, with the first silverware of the season on offer. 

The game – the traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League campaign – sees the reigning league champions face the FA Cup holders but, as Pep Guardiola’s side won both competitions last term, the Gunners act as their opponents after finishing second last season.

While all eyes will be on Wembley on Sunday afternoon, it appears that City remain busy in the transfer market with the season fast approaching.

As per Fabrizio Romano, City have identified Rennes winger Jeremy Doku as a potential target as they look to replace Riyad Mahrez.

The Algeria international completed a £30 million move to Saudia Arabian Pro League side Al-Ahli last week, and City are on the hunt for reinforcements in the wide attacking positions.

Mahrez has been a regular for City in recent seasons – making more than 230 appearances over the past five years – so Guardiola will be keen to replace the former Leicester City man.

The Italian journalist claims that the Citizens have added Doku to the list of potential targets, alongside Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.

Doku is said to be a target for Manchester City

Eagles winger Olise has also attracted interest from Chelsea, Romano claims, but City now consider both players to be priority targets being considered.

Doku, 21, joined Rennes from Belgian side Anderlecht in 2020 and has since impressed in France.

In total the Belgium international has made 90 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing ten assists.

Last term, Doku managed eight goal involvements in Ligue 1, as Rennes finished fourth in the table.

Doku was handed his senior international debut for Belgium in September 2020 and has now been capped 14 times by his country, scoring twice.

The Belgian is currently contracted to Rennes until the summer of 2025, and it remains to be seen whether or not the French club would be willing to sell the player during the current transfer window.