‘Better option than Olmo’ – Man City fans react as club reportedly eyeing La Liga ace as replacement for Riyad Mahrez

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club City have identified Raphinha as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez is said to have already agreed personal terms on a move to Al-Ahli, becoming the latest high-profile player to be courted by the Saudi Arabian league.

The proposal is expected to be around £43million per year, which is a significant increase in his current terms.

City are expected to replace the outgoing Algerian international with a new signing, as Pep Guardiola prepares to lose a forward who has scored 78 goals during his five-years at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City have recently been linked with a move for RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo if Riyad Mahrez leaves the club this summer.

City have agreed that Mahrez did not have to travel to the Fae East on their pre-season tour today, after receiving an acceptable offer of up to £30m. And French outlet Foot Mercato reports that they could swoop for Raphinha.

The 26-year-old only joined Barcelona for £57m last summer, having attracted plenty of interest with two brilliant seasons in the Premier League with Leeds United.

But eight goals and eight assists was an underwhelming return in his debut campaign, and Xavi’s side could sell up to ease financial concerns.

The report adds that Barcelona need to raise around £52m by August 31 in order to register several players who signed last year and see the Brazilian as a route to raising those funds.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@samfindlow: “Would be a perfect replacement tbf, very similar type of player.”

@UKlionfan: “Would be good Mahrez replacement….similar playing style…7yrs younger and good experience at top level…if Mahrez is off…get it done City!!”

@FMikusiak: “Better option than Olmo I think, he is good man”

@DavidGr00471175: “Way behind Mahrez in terms of output in all areas. It’s a step down.”

@AdishG97: “Similar Profile yes but not at the level at which we are looking for a mahrez replacement, but if Pep thinks i agree..”

@Fodenball8: “I don’t know if this is true but i can understand why Pep wants him. Raphina tracks back like Bernado does. Pep seems to have found this new obsession with all of his players being able to defend! Raphina just needs to build his confidence and he can be a great player for city!”

@bluemoonfan247: “Raphinha is underrated under Pep he can be a beast”