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Foxes in the Market: Leicester City star set for £35 million move

By Harneet Singh Sethi

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Islam Slimani of Leicester City and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City reacts to referee Bobby Madley (not pictured) disallowing the penalty goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Islam Slimani of Leicester City and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City reacts to referee Bobby Madley (not pictured) disallowing the penalty goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez is all set for a move to Arsenal later this week, as per an exclusive report by Calcion Mercato.  

The Italian outlet are claiming his move to Arsenal being a done deal, with the fee being in City’s demanded region of £35 million, making the former Player of the Year one of their most expensive signings.

The 26-year old has long been linked with a move to North London. The Gunners are reported to have made a move for the Algerian last summer; however, the Foxes’ reluctance to sell their prized possession meant that Arsenal were put off in their chase, as indeed was the case with their failed pursuit of Jamie Vardy.

Earlier this summer, Riyad Mahrez gave a brutally honest statement to the club, stating his intentions to move to a team that can offer him regular UEFA Champions League football as well as trophies. He said:

"“Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore 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.“However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience”."

A move to The Emirates Stadium wasn’t always on the cards though, as Mahrez was rumoured to be waiting for a call from FC Barcelona, another club that had huge interest in him but never made a formal approach because of other priorities. It is believed that Barca were his first choice, Arsenal being the other option.

Mahrez’s departure leaves a wide open gap in the team, but with a considerable fee coming through, Craig Shakespeare can finally turn his attention to the market to bag a suitable replacement. There is the money, there are the players – now it’s upto Leicester to make their move.

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