Leicester City warn Arsenal and AS Roma over Riyad Mahrez

Leicester City have fired a warning to Arsenal and AS Roma over Riyad Mahrez, as per an exclusive report from Il Messaggero.

The Foxes have told the two clubs to either make their move before the start of the Premier League on August 12 or be left empty-handed.

AS Roma have already made two offers worth £20 million and £27 million respectively; however, City are reluctant to sell their star player for anything less than £40 million, a price that they have been very stubborn over, and a price that Roma won’t reportedly pay.

It is understood that a failure to meet the asking price would mean that Leicester won’t sell Mahrez at all, even if against his will.

Speaking at a post-match press conference following Leicester City’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Premier League Asia Trophy final, Craig Shakespeare heaped a lot of praise on the 26-year old, while also making it clear that he could stay at the King Power Stadium. He said:

"“I think ever since he has been here he has been involved in a lot,” said Shakespeare when asked if anything could be read into Mahrez’s performances.“What you read into it is that he is a good player. If we can find him and give him the time to express himself within the frame work, which is important, you will always see players of his ilk express themselves, as they had players who did that as well.“I am sure there is because unless we get a suitable bid then he stays. He has a contract, it is as simple as that."

Judging by the situation, it’s a transfer saga that could drag on to Deadline Day, despite what Leicester City say. Oftentimes, a lot of clubs do like to maintain a certain stance over a wantaway player, only to lose him at the very last moment.

The quicker Shakespeare realises that Riyad Mahrez will eventually leave, the better for the team as well, so they can sign a replacement.

Next: Premier League Asia Trophy: Three things we learned as Liverpool edge Leicester City

Both Arsenal and AS Roma may be hesitating for different reasons at the moment, but both require additions up front. Almost inevitably, either of the two could come back and get their man.