‘They are convinced’: Fabrizio Romano says Man City think ‘key player’ won’t be leaving

Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester City expect Riyad Mahrez to remain at the club despite reports linking the Algerian away from the Etihad.

The former Leicester City man is under contract at the Etihad until 2023, and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The Telegraph reported last week that European clubs have “been alerted” to the potential availability of the Algerian this summer, as there has been no agreement between him and the Etihad hierarchy to extend his deal.

A report from spain as relayed by Sport Witness had claimed that Real Madrid have the winger ‘on their priority list’ ahead of the summer transfer window.

But Fabrizio Romano believe Man City think Mahrez won’t be leaving. Speaking recently on the Here We Go podcast, the Italian journalist discussed the future of the Manchester City midfielder.

“There are a lot of rumours about him leaving the club, there are chances with other clubs, but what I can say is that Man City want to keep Mahrez,” Romano said.

“They are not working to sell him or something like this. Guardiola is so happy with him. He is a key player, so I see a lot of rumours, but City’s plan is to go on with Mahrez. He is part of the team, he is part of the future for next season, so at the moment there is nothing with other clubs. Ok the situation of his contract is not advancing, as reported by people in England, and it is true, but they are convinced that he will stay next summer.”

The ex-Leicester talisman helped the Citizens win an unprecedented domestic treble in his first year at Etihad Stadium, and although they failed to reach the same high standards last season, he stood out with his individual performances.