Riyad Mahrez to Arsenal: Leicester City wantaway prefers the Gunners over Liverpool

Riyad Mahrez will prefer a move to Arsenal over Liverpool despite the ongoing talks with the Reds, according to an exclusive report by The Express.

Having sold Phillipe Coutinho for a British record £142 million to FC Barcelona, Liverpool are willing to pay the £50 million asking price for Riyad Mahrez; however, the Algerian still favours Arsenal, meaning that anything is still possible.

The Gunners have been the most linked club to the Leicester City winger, but there has never been an approach by them. Even with Alexis Sanchez leaving for either of the Manchester clubs, Arsenal are reportedly looking to bring in Bordeaux’s Malcom, not Riyad Mahrez.

Although things change quite quickly in the transfer window, it doesn’t seem like Arsene Wenger would be willing to pay £50-odd million for the Algerian star, since he is someone who prefers a bargain. Riyad Mahrez, mind you, isn’t a bargain by any stretch of imagination.

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Claude Puel, meanwhile, has maintained that Riyad Mahrez is happy at the club and that he continues to be a key part of the Leicester City squad. Speaking at a press conference while addressing the rumours, the Frenchman said:

"“He is a happy player. After that it is all speculation.“There is no problem. I want to continue to work with my best players like Riyad.”"

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A transfer saga that began back in the summer doesn’t look like it’ll be ending this transfer window either. Almost every day, there’s a new club that’s emerging as a possible destination for Riyad Mahrez, yet surprisingly, AS Roma remain the only club to have ever made an official approach for the winger.

Will he be able to get his wish anytime soon?