That’s according to the Mirror’s chief football writer John Cross.
Pep Guardiola has reportedly lodged a £60m bid for the Algerian winger ahead of this evening’s transfer deadline.
The 26-year-old is desperate to leave Leicester and has submitted a transfer request in order to force through the move.
Mahrez has been linked with an exit from Claude Puel’s side this month, with Liverpool and Chelsea also touted as potential suitors.
But City appears to be his most likely destination as they seek cover after Leroy Sane joined Gabriel Jesus on Guardiola’s ever-growing injury list.
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“His ambition has been there for all to see. He obviously feels that the time is right and has been for a while for him to move on from Leicester.”
Mirror chief football writer John Cross
And Cross believes the German winger being ruled out has forced City’s hand.
“I do think that Mahrez has almost unashamedly, for the last 18 months, almost touted himself around every leading club in Europe,” he told BBC 5 Live.
“Really trying to force things I think at the end of the summer window.
“His ambition has been there for all to see. He obviously feels that the time is right and has been for a while for him to move on from Leicester.
“And him then pushing for a transfer, putting in that transfer request, makes things very very difficult for Leicester to keep hold of him.
“And I guess it’s credit to City that they’ve got the finance to go for a player for a short-term fix if you like, because that’s what i think it is.
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“I don’t think if Sane hadn’t got injured on Sunday they would be in the market for Mahrez now.
“I think they would have waited to get someone, perhaps even Mahrez, in the summer.”
City are currently 12 points clear of fierce rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.
They return to action this evening as they host West Brom.