Al-Ahli have reportedly already scheduled a medical for Riyad Mahrez ahead of a potential move from Manchester City.
Mahrez has been heavily linked with an exit from City this summer after falling down the pecking order last season.
Pep Guardiola preferred to play Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva on the right wing instead of Mahrez in the biggest games of City’s treble-winning campaign.
Optimism building over Mahrez deal
According to CBS, Al-Ahli have scheduled a medical for Mahrez in anticipation of a deal being agreed with City.
City are yet to receive an official offer for the 32-year-old winger, but various reports suggest that the opening bid could be between £17m and £30m.
Ben Jacobs has reported that Mahrez has agreed to personal terms with the newly promoted Saudi Pro League side, and is expected to earn around £25m per season.
Mahrez’s agents have requested to speak to City and will make it clear that the Algerian wants the move.
Should Mahrez leave then he will become the second City player to depart this summer, after Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona upon the expiration of his City contract.
Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo are both expected to leave, while the futures of Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva remain unclear.
MCN View: The deal will get done and suits all parties
The speed at which aspects of this deal are happening suggests it may be completed fairly soon.
Having seen his role in Guardiola’s side diminish after winning 10 major trophies in five years at City, it makes sense that Mahrez is ready for a new challenge.
At 32 he’d be daft not to jump at the chance of a massive payday, as City would be not to accept a decent offer for him.
With the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante having already joined Saudi clubs this summer, the Saudi Pro League will get another household name – described by Guardiola as ‘exceptional’ a few months ago – to boost its status.
