AS Roma remain upbeat about signing Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City

AS Roma are still upbeat about their chances of signing Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City, the club’s Sporting Director Monchi has told.

Roma have been tirelessly working to snaffle Mahrez away from the Foxes, who aren’t ready to let their star man leave for anything under the reported valuation of £40-50 million.

The Serie A club have had as many as three bids rejected by Leicester City, the latest one being worth £31 million, a club record. As it turns out, City are hungry for more.

However, that hasn’t affected Roma in their chase of Riyad Mahrez, as they are prepared to do everything possible to be able to get their man.

Addressing the media at the unveiling of Roma’s new signing, Gregoire Defrel, Monchi told:

"“I’m optimistic in life, by nature. Roma is doing everything possible to take the player.“I am happy with the effort the club is making to take him. It is close to the limit. I do not think the club has often bid over 30m Euros.“If my memory does not deceive me, the latest offer would be the club’s most expensive purchase in our history. We are, therefore, engaged and expect an answer. But it is true that we are working on other solutions.“When we find an agreement, whether with Leicester or another company for another footballer, we will have nothing to rebuke because we are really doing everything.“The player has expressed his will publicly, but he is right to respect his club. In the end all will be resolved according to Leicester’s will to accept it or not.”"

With only two days remaining before Leicester City take on Arsenal in the Premier League’s first-ever season opener on a Friday, Riyad Mahrez will very likely be a headache for Craig Shakespeare.

The 26-year old is still a major part of the squad while he is at the King Power Stadium, but the social media activities and some brutally honest statements aren’t helping Leicester City’s cause.

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Mahrez recently changed the profile picture on his Facebook page from one wherein he donned the Leicester jersey to one where he only has his Nike vestitures on.

The Leicester City forward didn’t go round the houses when asked about his future either, saying that AS Roma are a great club while also adding that he’d like to talk to them. He said:

"“I know Roma came in, but nothing was accepted so there is little I can do. They are a great club who I would like to talk to but I can’t until Leicester accept a deal,” he said.“Leicester know my thoughts, but I will continue to give my best for the club as I always have.“Clearly, it is flattering whenever you get linked with any big clubs, but as it stands, I have not talked to anyone as nobody has had a bid accepted but we nearly have a month left of the transfer window so we will see what happens.”"