Aymeric Laporte and Jeremy Doku (©AFP)
Aymeric Laporte and Jeremy Doku (©AFP)

Doku in, Laporte out: City still have a lot of business to do

Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 21.08.23. | 13:56

Guardiola's getting rid of an unwanted defender and is bringing in a Mahrez replacement

Saudi Arabian noisy entrance onto the world football stage has disrupted the transfer market and is causing European clubs to make unforeseen changes to their squads. Not even UEFA Champions League winners are immune.

City have set their sights on Stade Rennais' speedy winger Jeremy Doku as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who left the Etihad Stadium to sign for Al-Ahli.

Manager Pep Guardiola admitted last week that the Algerian's departure wasn't planned ahead of the transfer window and that he lacks options on wing positions. And so, Doku has emerged as a top priority for City. According to Le Parisien, the Treble winners have already reached an agreement on personal terms with the 21-year-old Belgian. However, the final step involves setting the fee Manchester City would have to pay Stade Rennais for Doku's transfer.

Stade Rennais has placed a valuation of $60 million on Doku, and it's worth noting that West Ham United is also in the race. Ongoing discussions between Manchester City and Doku are anticipated to continue this week, as both parties want to conclude the deal as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, another Cityzen is heading to Saudi Arabia. Aymeric Laporte travelled to the Gulf state on Monday ahead of a $25 million move to Al-Nassr. Laporte has been seeking a new challenge this after being relegated to a minor role in Manchester City's Treble win last season. However, there has been a surprising lack of interest in the Spanish defender. Pep has added Josko Gvardiol to his defensive ranks in this transfer window, with the club paying $85 million to sign the 21-year-old from RB Leipzig.

With no starts in the first four matches of the season, Laporte has opted to accept the offer from Al-Nassr after a bid was received for him. He is not expected to be replaced at the Etihad, given Gvardiol has already come in.

It's time for a little reshuffling at Etihad.


tags

Jeremy DokuAymeric LaporteManchester CityRennesAl-Nassr FCSaudi Pro League

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