MAHREZ IS CITY’S RECORD SIGNING
RIYAD MAhReZ has finally completed his £60million move to Manchester City, becoming the club’s record signing ahead of their Premier League title defence. Pep Guardiola wanted the 27-year-old from Leicester City in January but was willing to wait until the summer after a refusal to match the original valuation. Mahrez was granted leave of absence from Leicester’s training camp in France over the weekend and had a medical in Wilmslow yesterday afternoon. ‘I am so pleased to have joined City, a side playing great football under Pep Guardiola,’ said Mahrez. ‘Watching them from afar has been a pleasure. Pep is committed to playing attacking football, which is perfect for me, and City’s performances last season were outstanding. They’re redefining the english game and I wanted to be a part of it. ‘I think we can be successful over the coming years and I believe my own game can develop under Pep’s management.’ The Algerian then headed for the City Football Academy where he signed a five-year contract with the champions, who have sent a clear message of intent to their rivals. It is understood City were ready to walk away from negotiations which had reached a stalemate but sporting director Txiki Begiristain has managed to deliver Guardiola’s top target. Begiristain said: ‘Riyad is a hugely talented player. he beats defenders and creates space.’ Guardiola is aware of the heavy workload put upon Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane last season and has given the latter a further week’s holiday. Sane will link-up with City in America next week.
ARSeNAL have signed Uruguay international midfielder Lucas Torreira from Sampdoria for £25m.