Riyad Mahrez has caught the attention of Arsenal fans this morning after reiterating his desire to leave Leicester City in search of football at a higher level.
Having handed in a transfer request in the early stages of the summer, an imminent switch has been far off due to The Tigers’ huge valuation scaring off Europe’s top sides.
Despite bagging the PFA Player of the Year award during the 2015/16 campaign, Mahrez failed to light up the scene as Leicester looked to defend their Premier League title.
And although many of the critics have suggested Mahrez was a one-season wonder, Fresh Arsenal understand that Arsene Wenger is eyeing up a late move for the Algerian.
At 26 years of age, Mahrez is ready for a club that can accommodate his peak years in the game, but it could come down to the final days of the window before Arsenal make their first move.
It’s believed Wenger is holding out for his number one signing, Thomas Lemar, who is ready to join the Gunners and only Monaco’s refusal to sell stands in his way.
Arsenal will go back in with a final bid in the region of £50million this week before walking away according to reports, which could then turn all focus on Mahrez, a player who’s having his own frustrations by the sounds of what he told Sky Sports:
I know Roma came in (£27million bid), but nothing was accepted so there is little I can do. They are a great club who I would like to talk to but I can’t until Leicester accept a deal.
Leicester know my thoughts, but I will continue to give my best for the club as I always have.
Clearly, it’s flattering whenever you get linked with any big clubs, but as it stands, I have not talked to anyone as nobody has had a bid accepted but we nearly have a month left of the transfer window so we will see what happens.
It looks like even Mahrez knows that this deal could run until the final day of the transfer window, a time where Leicester could be reluctant to losing their star man.
Craig Shakespeare has said he’s prepared to carry on if nobody meets the stiff £40million valuation they’ve slapped on Mahrez, so it will be a test of Leicester’s resolve.
Wenger can snap him up whenever he wants because Mahrez wants this move, but unfortunately we won’t know how this deal will pan out until Lemar’s future is confirmed.
Want more Arsenal news, views and transfer updates? Make sure you’re following us on Twitter and Facebook!