Riyad Mahrez 'close to agreeing new three-year Manchester City deal'

The 31-year-old has now entered the final 12 months of his existing deal at the Etihad Stadium, which has understandably led to speculation surrounding his future.

Mahrez would often compete with Gabriel Jesus for the right-wing spot in the 2021-22 season, but the Brazil international will soon be announced as an Arsenal player.

Raheem Sterling's possible departure would open the door for more starts for Mahrez out wide, although Julian Alvarez and Erling Braut Haaland will provide greater attacking competition.

Nevertheless, Mahrez enjoyed his best goalscoring campaign in Man City colours last term, and Pep Guardiola is keen to keep the Algeria international on the books beyond next summer.

According to 90Min, Man City are preparing to table a three-year offer to Mahrez with the option of an additional 12 months, and the attacker is poised to accept the fresh terms.

Mahrez has allegedly told the Premier League champions that he wants to stay at the club and is now prepared to commit his long-term future to Guardiola's crop.

The former Leicester City man is said to be 'very settled' in Manchester and is prepared to snub interest from some of Europe's top clubs in order to extend his stay at the Etihad.

AC Milan were heavily linked with a move for the Algerian, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to have been keeping tabs on his uncertain contract situation.

City supposedly want to confirm Mahrez's new contract before the start of the 2022-23 season, as the Africa Cup of Nations winner prepares for his fifth campaign under the tutelage of Guardiola.

Since arriving from Leicester in a £61m deal in the summer of 2018, Mahrez has amassed 63 goals and 45 assists in 188 outings for Man City across all competitions.

The 2021-22 season saw Mahrez find the back of the net 24 times continentally and domestically, in addition to contributing nine assists in his most productive campaign for the club so far.

Mahrez hit seven goals in 12 Champions League matches en route to the semi-finals, but he only started 15 Premier League matches and was an unused substitute in a further eight.

The attacker has collected nine trophies during his time in Manchester, including three Premier League titles, three EFL Cups, one FA Cup and two Community Shields after playing a key role in Leicester's historic 2015-16 top-flight title triumph.