Leicester City must get rid of Riyad Mahrez

When Arsenal came calling for Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez last season, most of us had a premonition of a transfer saga that would surround at least one, if not both of Leicester City’s modern-day ambassadors.

A year on since the Gunners’ unsuccessful pursuit, Vardy still continues to be the heartbeat of this club – his passionate celebrations at the sacred King Power Stadium still the fans’ favourite sight – but Mahrez seems to have his heart pounding for the comfort of The Emirates Stadium’s ostentatious executive box. You couldn’t have not seen it coming.

For the better part of the 2016/17 season, Mahrez had the demeanour of a player who wasn’t very willing to give it his all, for he knew that he was fighting a battle he eventually had to lose and for a team he was destined to leave.

Next: Everton interested in Leicester City starlet

One might argue that his poor performances had more to do with Leicester City’s form than necessarily his own, but there’s something called individual quality, there’s something we call the ability to conjure moments of magic, a fine gift that this sui generis Algerian put to perfect use on not one but many such occasions when Claudio Ranieri’s side looked lost in their title-winning campaign. A year later, difference wasn’t his class or talent, it was hunger and desire – perhaps, the lack thereof.

Just as his tally of a staggering 17 league goals and ten assists that season wasn’t an accident, so wasn’t a disappointing drop to a mere four goals and six assists, statistically putting him on level terms with his possible successor, Troy Deeney (last two seasons).

That’s not to suggest that Riyad Mahrez willingly went missing when Leicester City needed him the most, but there is no denying that a mind wandering elsewhere resulted in a lack of interest. While it is completely different to performing poorly on purpose to try and force out a move, the repercussions are just the same.

Mahrez didn’t do that (forced the issue) – and all fans must respect him for the same – but then again, his end of season statement had an undertone of a man who had a wanted a change of surroundings all season. Now, could he have done the club a favour by being more honest before the season began? Probably.

Here’s what he had to say in a statement released by Leicester City:

"“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.”"

Riyad Mahrez is of no worth to Leicester City anymore. As Craig Shakespeare writes the prologue of what would be a new chapter in the club’s history, the 26-year old’s presence alone could be detrimental to their interests, not to forget that – with all due respect – his lack of loyalty could be contagious.

Remember, trying to keep hold of him won’t send the best possible message to players of Demarai Gray, Ben Chilwell and Kelechi Iheanacho’s calibre, who could all exercise their apparently unalienable right to issue a “come and get me plea” at the expense of the club some day.

If bringing in major additions is a priority, so should be getting rid of Riyad Mahrez without being too stubborn, as a few million pounds earned here may cost Leicester City a price that they won’t be able to afford. If Arsenal come calling this time, it’s the Foxes who must make their move.