Leicester City: No bids for Mahrez from Arsenal
By Jake Cursley
Despite reports emerging last night, Arsenal have not made a £30m bid for Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez according to Sky Sports.
The Algerian winger was voted PFA Player of the Year last season after being involved in 27 goals in 37 games, which saw Arsenal take an interest in Leicester City’s superstar.
Related Story: Leicester City: Ranieri signs new four-year deal
After Wenger admitted to the player being on the Gunner’s radar in this summer, rumours began to spark of Arsenal preparing a £40m+ bid to sign the player, however Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri and Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha have insisted that they will not be accepting a bid and that Mahrez will play his football at the King Power Stadium next season.
Mahrez seems to be looking to copy Leicester City team-mate Jamie Vardy’s resilience in turning down a big money move after the controversial striker turned down a £130,000 per week contract from Arsenal to remain in Leicester after the Gunner’s triggered his release clause.
Riyad however is yet to put pen to paper and accept his new contract from Leicester City which is reportedly worth £100,000. After being spotted in a hotel in London, the same hotel that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was staying in.
Foxes fan’s palms were sweaty, especially after losing their midfield engine N’Golo Kante to the London giants. No bid however have come from the rumour and it looks like it was just that, a rumour.
One man who has committed his future however is boss Claudio Ranieri. After signing a new 4-year deal yesterday morning, he will be managing Leicester City until at least 2020.
His new contract is reportedly worth up to £3m per year after being rewarded for delivering the foxes their first ever Premier League title and Champions League fixtures.
Jamie Vardy isn’t the only player looking to put his mark on the biggest club competition in the world next season when European football hits the East Midlands, Captain Wes Morgan, Andy King, Kasper Schmeichel and Ben Chilwell all signed new contracts and will be looking to continue success with the club.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, Schmeichel said:
"“When you win a Premier League title it still feels a bit surreal after a couple of weeks”"
"“When I came back to training I was immediately struck that the hunger is still there. You can see it among the team, everyone is just buzzing to be back.”"
Next: Leicester City: Kasper Schmeichel Confident Foxes Will Remain on Top
With the hunger and drive still there, Leicester City will be looking to kick on in the upcoming campaign with their first game this weekend against Hull.