Arsenal has reportedly re-ignited their interest in Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez. The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for the Algeria international last summer after his integral role in Leicester’s Premier League-winning campaign.
However, the 26-year resisted a move to the Emirates and confirmed his loyalty with the Foxes by signing a new deal to remain at the King Power Stadium until June 2020. But as per reports in the Daily Mirror, the North London giants are still hoping to sign Mahrez and are once again ready to test Leicester’s resolve. The report added that Arsenal is all set to sign the winger if he is available for the right price.
Moreover, their chances of signing the Algerian will be boosted after the 2016 PFA player of the year announced he wants to quit the club. Leicester endured a torrid time in the Premier League as title defenders and finished a lowly 12th after recovering from a disastrous start. And with any hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League looking bleak in near future, Mahrez has expressed his desire of leaving the club which he joined in 2014 from French club Le Havre.
In a statement, Mahrez wrote:
“Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester, I wanted to be totally honest and transparent. I have informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on.
“I had a good discussion with the chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League.
“I’ve had the four best seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League champions.
“The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans are something I will treasure forever and I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision,” he added.
However, it will be interesting to see whether Mahrez opts for Arsenal if they come knocking as the Gunners have also failed to make it to the Champions League after finishing fifth.
But reports are suggesting that Wenger is desperate to sign the Leicester City star especially with Alexis Sanchez heavily linked with a departure from the club. Wenger is also linked with AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca and France winger Thomas Lemar.