RIYAD MAHREZ has reportedly been offered a stunning exit from Manchester City worth £40million a year – just hours before the Champions League final.
Mahrez, 32, has two years remaining on his deal at the Etihad but has been linked with a move away from the Treble-chasers.
Mahrez has enjoyed another successful season with Pep Guardiola’s side, scoring 15 times and providing 13 assists.
But the Algerian is set to miss out on the starting line up for the showpiece event with Guardiola preferring Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva down the flanks.
And now Saudi suitors are attempting to lure Mahrez to the Middle East with a mega offer.
According to ESPN, Al-Ahli are hopeful of securing the services of Mahrez this summer.
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The report adds that the Saudi side have offered the winger a two-year contract worth £40m a season plus bonuses, with the option of a third year.
Mahrez has become frustrated at a lack of playing time this season and is understood to be open to a move.
However, it remains unclear if City would allow the player to leave and what fee they would be expecting.
After the 3-0 win against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi final in April, Guardiola admitted that Mahrez was frustrated at his lack of playing time.
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He said: “He’s grumpy with me when he doesn’t play, all the time. He makes me notice when he’s grumpy.
“He is an exceptional player, his playing is exceptional on the biggest stages and he has the mentality to score a goal.
“The composure for the penalty was important, and the second and third were brilliant.
“So satisfied for Riyad because he loves to play football, he’s given many, many things in these years and hopefully more in the future.”
The situation is likely to be resolved after the Champions League final.
If Mahrez were to join he would be following in the footsteps of several high profile stars who have joined the Saudi Pro League.
Karim Benzema signed for Al Ittihad, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia while N’Golo Kante is set to become another high-profile addition to the league.
Since joining City from Leicester in a deal worth close to £60m in 2018 Mahrez has established himself as an important member of Guardiola’s squad.
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During his five year spell at City, he has scored 78 goals in 236 appearances and scored a career-high 24 times last season.
The former Leicester man has lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at the Etihad.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
