Arsenal transfer news: Riyad Mahrez 'agrees to join' in €50m deal, according to reports
The Algeria international has apparently been 'seduced' by Arsenal, according to reports in France
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Riyad Mahrez, the Leicester City winger, has agreed to join Arsenal as part of a €50m (£41.8m) deal, according to unconfirmed reports in France.
The Algeria international, who was voted PFA Player of the Year last season for his performances in Leicester’s remarkable title-winning campaign, has apparently settled on leaving the defending Premier League champions.
According to Eurosport France, Mahrez is ready to swap the King Power Stadium for the Emirates after being “seduced” by Arsenal, who have been consistently linked with the 25-year-old in recent months.
Mahrez's agent, however, has reportedly denied that there is any interest from Arsenal, despite his attendance at the Gunners' 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Lens on Friday night.
Furthermore, the Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri told journalists on Wednesday that Mahrez wished to stay with the club.
“Yes, he wants to stay," Ranieri said, when asked directly whether he has spoken to the player about his future.
If he were to join Arsenal, Mahrez would become the second high-profile player to leave Leicester this summer, following N’Golo Kanté's £32m transfer to Chelsea last week.
Mahrez scored 17 goals during the 2015/16 season – more than any individual Arsenal player – and registered 11 assists, the fifth-most in the division.
Mahrez joined Leicester from Le Havre in 2014 for approximately £400,000 and has three years remaining on his current deal.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments