Report: Chelsea now interested in signing ‘unbelievable’ Premier League forward, could get him for £24m

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Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on signing Manchester City magician Riyad Mahrez next summer.

According to Foot Mercato, the Blues are considering raiding Pep Guardiola’s castle and pinching the luxurious left-footed forward.

Why are Chelsea looking at Mahrez?

Unless City offer him a new deal, Mahrez will be out of contract in June 2023.

Helped by his excellent return this season, there should be a long line of suitors waiting to snap him up if the day comes around to the 31-year-old’s departure.

Particularly as Foot Mercato claim possible buyers could land him for somewhere between £24m and £33m.

In 33 games, the Algeria international has netted a mere 21 goals and provided seven assists.

Bear in mind he was away on Africa Cup of Nation duties for nearly a month, plus he hardly started a Premier League game until December, this is some return.

Especially when compared to the numbers Chelsea’s squad have racked up.

Romelu Lukaku leads the scoring charts with 11, followed by Jorginho and Kai Havertz on nine.

Also, Mahrez, labelled ‘unbelievable’ by Aymeric Laporte, is traditionally put down as a right-winger by Guardiola, a position not often associated with massive goal figures.

Riyad the reaper

His full array of talent was on show last Sunday in the Manchester derby, where he bagged a brace against United at the Etihad.

He executed a perfect half volley to put City 3-1 upfront, before smashing the ball into the net, via David De Gea’s face, to round a comprehensive win in the divided city.

Chelsea players, staff and board members might’ve been watching the match with not only admiration but slight jealousy.

Kevin De Bruyne, a man formerly of their cloth, cut through Ralf Rangnick’s side like a hot Belgian knife through butter.

Meanwhile, Mahrez hardly touched the ball in the first half, yet secondly sparked into life after the interval, something Thomas Tuchel’s men often struggle to achieve.

Can the Blues be blamed for showing interest in the awesome Algerian?

Not in the slightest.

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