Despite winning the treble last season, Manchester City look set to lose a handful of key players this summer. Ilkay Gundogan has already left for Barcelona while Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, and Kyle Walker are all being linked with departures.
While the Cityzens have stepped up their efforts to keep Silva at the Etihad Stadium, Mahrez's time in Manchester is over. As revealed by the Athletic, Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli have agreed a deal worth $39.2M plus $6M in add-ons for the Algerian.
The former Leicester ace will move to the Middle East on a three-year deal with the option for an additional 12 months, thus bringing an end to his trophy-laden spell in the English top flight.
As a result, this leaves the Premier League giants with one important question: who will replace the talented winger at City? According to Foot Mercato, Guardiola's side already have the answer.
The French news outlet claims that the English giants have their eyes set on Raphinha as the perfect man to replace Mahrez. The Barcelona ace is no stranger to the Premier League, having impressed at Leeds before his move to Camp Nou, and could be a brilliant acquisition for the Premier League champions.
Since joining the Blaugrana, the Selecao ace has failed to impress and has even been subbed off during important games, sparking on-field anger from the winger.
And that's not all. Due to the Catalan giants' financial mess, the Spanish giants are always linked with a sale or two. Raphinha was linked with a January exit and while those rumors were quickly dispelled, it will be interesting to see if Xavi's side decide to cash in on Raphinha before the current window ends.
City's director of football Txiki Begiristain has reportedly already made contact with Barcelona sporting director Deco. Whether this will advance into something serious, only time will tell.
