Determined Guardiola prompts Man City proposal to keep three champions at bay in battle for Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez has received a short-term contract extension offer from Manchester City amid interest from three European giants, according to a report.

Mahrez’s current terms with Manchester City are due to expire at the end of next season. Losing him – either for a fee this summer, or for free in 2023 – would be a blow to Pep Guardiola, especially when Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling could be on their way out as well.

During the 2021-22 season, Mahrez was the top goalscorer across all competitions for the Premier League title winners. His tally of 24 goals in all competitions represented a career best total.

In turn, clubs across the continent have been keeping tabs on his form. According to Foot Mercato, Mahrez is being courted by Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Champions of France, Spain and Italy respectively, Mahrez could make a move from one trophy-conquering side to another.

But the report claims that Manchester City want to prevent such an outcome from happening. Indeed, the update is that they are willing to offer him a short-term contract extension.

Although Mahrez is 31, he is at the top of his game and Pep Guardiola wants him to stay. Therefore, Manchester City would not want to be deprived of his services in a summer during which their attack is evolving.

Hence, they are ready to make an effort to keep Mahrez among their ranks. What’s more, there is supposedly optimism that he will agree to their proposal, even if there is a middle-ground to find regarding his salary.

Foot Mercato conclude that there is a “good chance” of Mahrez still being a City player next season. Consequently, he could add to his tallies of 189 appearances and 63 goals for the club.

Featuring alongside the likes of Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva in the attacking line, the Algerian will be hoping to increase his medal collection as well.

Riyad Mahrez still has starring role to play at Etihad Stadium

Even though City are injecting new talent into their attack ahead of the new season, Mahrez can still be a key man for Pep Guardiola.

Riyad Mahrez still on Chelsea radar

Chelsea are still interested in signing winger Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City this summer but big wages could be issue

His output in the 2021-22 season was proof that he can be pivotal to their plans. An attacking line of Mahrez and Foden either side of Haaland would be an exciting proposition to start with.

Guardiola regularly rotates his squad, too. So even if the new players take some of the limelight from Mahrez, he will still get plenty of chances.

Some degree of continuity up front will help City’s attempts to retain their title. Therefore, keeping the former Leicester man would be a good move.

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