Riyad Mahrez has asked to leave Leicester during this summer’s transfer window. North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are among those interested.
Riyad Mahrez has told Leicester he wants a transfer away from the club this summer, according to Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports:
Riyad Mahrez has told #lcfc chairman he wants to leave club this summer.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) May 30, 2017
The mercurial 26-year-old winger, who helped the Foxes win the Premier League title in 2016, issued a statement expressing his desire to move on, per Sky Sports News HQ:
"Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move onI 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 LeagueHowever, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience."
Mahrez also went on to thank the Leicester fans for their support, as well as commending his relationship with chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
The elegant winger shouldn’t be short of suitors once he hits the open market, with Arsenal and Tottenham both said to be interested. Alec Shilton of The Sun has revealed how Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino retains an interest in Mahrez, while also pointing out the Gunners could make another bid after being rebuffed last summer.
However, Arsenal’s chances could be damaged by not being able to offer Champions League football after finishing fifth in England’s top flight this season. Jordan Blackwell of the Leicester Mercury says Mahrez wants to play in the Champions League every year.
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Blackwell also revealed Leicester will demand a fee of around £40 million for the winger. It may be too steep for some, especially since Mahrez’s production and form dipped somewhat this season.
He was outstanding during the 2015-16 title-winning campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists en route to claiming the PFA Player of the Year award. However, Mahrez managed just 10 goals and five assists this season, per WhoScored.com.
On his day though, the player remains a true wing wizard, capable of weaving his magic from either flank or in a No. 10 role. Mahrez is blessed with exceptional vision, along with one of the deadliest left foots in the game, and he would surely improve any top club.