Man City identify potential replacement for outgoing Mahrez

Manchester City have only made one signing so far this summer, with Mateo Kovacic the only player to arrive at The Etihad. 

The Croatian midfielder joined City from rivals Chelsea and will likely be used as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who departed to join Spanish side Barcelona.

Winger Riyad Mahrez has been heavily linked with a move away from the club over the past week, though, and it appears increasingly likely that the Algeria international will depart The Etihad.

If Mahrez does leave this summer, it appears that those in charge of the club have already identified a potential replacement for the winger.

According to 90min, City have identified Lyon star Bradley Barcola as a potential target as they look to replace Mahrez.

The report claims that the Manchester outfit have already accepted a £30 million offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for Mahrez, and have since been searching for replacements for the attacker.

Barcola is said to be a target for Lyon this summer

Their search has lead them to Barcola, 20, who only made his full debut for his current club in January.

The youngster has made a total of 44 appearances for Lyon across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists.

City are said to have scouted the player earlier this season, and could now make a move to sign the versatile attacker.

Barcola is able to play in a number of attacking roles, including on either flank or as a central striker.

He made his debut for the French side in a Ligue 1 match against AC Ajaccio during the 2021/22 season, and made a total of 31 appearances last term.

The France youth international already has five Ligue 1 goals and ten assists to his name, despite only making his first start for the club sis months ago.

At present, though, the youngster is contracted to Lyon until the summer of 2026, which would put the French side in a commanding position during any potential negotiations.