Man City close in on 'great signing' after £138m deal agreed - Agbonlahor

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Crystal Palace star Michael Olise would be a "great signing" but is not yet a worthy replacement for Saudi Arabia-bound Man City star Riyad Mahrez.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed rivals will have identified a "weakness" in the treble-winners after exits for Mahrez and ex-captain Ilkay Gundogan.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (24 July) that Crystal Palace star Olise is the subject of genuine interest from treble winners Man City.

It is believed he is seen as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who is expected to complete a £30million move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal after agreeing a three-year deal worth £36m a year.

The total cost of the transfer in fee and wages will be an astonishing £138m.

Olise, who notched two goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions last season, has a £35million release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park.

The former Man City trainee and France Under-21 international would face competition from the likes of Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva for a regular starting berth at the Etihad Stadium.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think he’s quite as good as Mahrez.

“I really rate Mahrez, and I thought he was really underrated at City. His ball control, his finishing, his dribbling, his creativity.

“City have got to be careful. They’ve lost Gundogan, they’re losing Mahrez.

“Olise would be a great signing, but he’s no Mahrez. Not yet.

“They’ve lost two of their best players and the replacements coming in don’t look to have that same star power.

“City’s rivals will be spotting a bit of weakness in this side now. With the signings Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United are making - they look like they're catching up.”

In other news, Man City climb hurdles to close in on mega-money deal.