Arsenal are reportedly on the front foot to sign Leicester City attacker Riyad Mahrez after Barcelona cooled their pursuit of the Algeria international. The Foxes star is widely tipped to leave the King Power Stadium this summer after he released a statement earlier this month where he revealed his intention to move on.
Mahrez has been on the Gunners’ radar over the past 12 months following a top 2015/16 season where he bagged 17 goals in the Foxes’ league triumph. He, however, failed to replicate a similar performance last term with just six goals, but this has not diminished the interest from manager Arsene Wenger.
Spanish publication AS claims that Mahrez is keen on pursuing a deal with the FA Cup holders this summer following the lack of interest from Barcelona. The Catalan outfit had expressed an interest in Mahrez alongside Arsenal last year, but they appear to be holding out on an approach this around.
As a result, Mahrez has grown frustrated playing the waiting time, and he will seek to push for a move to the Emirates, where he is still a wanted man for Wenger. The north London outfit are likely to offer a four-year contract on the table with the chance to play in the Europa League.
The likes of Chelsea and Liverpool are prepared to offer Champions League football to the talented winger, but Mahrez appears keen on working with Wenger after having missed out on a similar opportunity just a year ago.
Leicester City are holding out on a £50m package for their star performer, but Arsenal could probably discuss a £35m sum – similar to what they sought to pay for Mahrez last summer.
