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Leicester City: Wenger hints at Gunner’s interest in Mahrez

By Khaled Abdallah

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 30: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City during the ICC Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Leicester City at StubHub Center on July 30 , 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 30: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City during the ICC Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Leicester City at StubHub Center on July 30 , 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images) /
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It’s been no secret that Arsenal have had interest in more than one Leicester City star this summer. With Vardy already snubbing the London giants, interest has turned to ‘PFA Player of The Year’ Riyad Mahrez.

Arsène Wenger is not known for making his transfer targets public but his interest in both Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez has been nothing but a secret.

Related Story: Leicester City: Jamie Vardy claims Arsenal easy to resist

Wenger found himself watching Leicester City’s 4 – 0 defeat to PSG this weekend in Los Angeles, which sparked rumours of him keeping a beady eye on his target Mahrez. Reports are stating that Arsenal are looking to prepare a £43m bid for the star winger.

Mahrez found himself in the form of his life last season, having a hand in 27 goals throughout the season and was eventually awarded the ‘PFA Player of the year’ award. It’s no wonder top clubs are fighting for the Algerian superstar’s signature.

When speaking to the beIN Sports, Wenger had to say with a smirk on his face “Yes, of course, we watch all the players but we play Leicester City in the second game of the season so it’s a good opportunity for us to see them.”

The Gunners boss went on to say “I cannot give you a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ because we do not publicise our transfer interest and the best way to make things happen is to keep it as secret as possible.”

CARSON, CA – JULY 30: Riyad Mahrez
CARSON, CA – JULY 30: Riyad Mahrez /

Despite all of the interest surrounding the 25 year old winger, he looks to be mimicking Vardy’s resilience in not forcing a move and playing his cards close to his chest.

Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri has been insisting over the last two weeks that Mahrez will stay, having talked to him about his future at the club.

Report in France have stated that Mahrez has no interest in money and is just focusing on a clubs style of play, very similar to how Vardy turned down a £120,000 per week contract from Arsenal to remain at Leicester City, the team who’s system has helped him flourish.

Leicester City’s summer can be considered very successful if they are to hold on to both Mahrez and Vardy despite losing their midfield engine in N’Golo Kante who left for rivals Chelsea in order to play under new manager Antonio Conte.

It took little time for Leicester City to find Kante’s replacement, bringing in Nampalys Mendy from OGC Nice for a reported fee of £13m whilst having January signing Daniel Amartey for back up.

Next: Leicester City: Arsenal talks clearly distracting Riyad Mahrez says Claudio Ranieri

Leicester City will want Riyad Mahrez to wrap up his contract talks before the start of the season in less than two weeks’ time. With Leicester City’s Community Shield match against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United this Sunday, the sooner the better as they will not want Riyad getting distracted if the saga continues to roll on.

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