Leicester attacker wants to secure Arsenal move because of Arsene Wenger

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez is reportedly angling for a move to the Emirates this summer as he looks to work under manager Arsene Wenger.


The Gunners failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1997 but this is unlikely to have an influence on Mahrez’s ambition.

Algerian outlet Le Buteur suggests that the 26-year-old will push for a move to north London this time around following a disappointing campaign with the Foxes last season. The attacker has already revealed his intention to Foxes owner VichaiSrivaddhanaprabha, and he could be available for a reduced transfer fee this summer.

Arsene Wenger’s team failed with a £35m bid for Mahrez during the last summer transfer window, but the Gunners could get him for £9m less in the coming month. Mahrez bagged just six league goals for the Foxes in comparison to his 17 in their title winning year (2015/16), but his quality cannot be ignored as said by Wenger in an interview earlier this month.

"We have not made a bid, but personally, I like the player, yes. I think he made a huge impact when they won the championship. Like at everybody else at Leicester, this season has been more challenging, but it doesn't take away from his qualities. Have we made a bid for him? No. Not yet. No, we have not. When I say 'not yet' it means it could happen. It might not happen," He told BeIN Sports.

Mahrez is apparently attracting further interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, who are both in the Champions League, but the Algerian looks determined to snub advances in order to link up with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal next season. The FA Cup holders currently have the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who could drift into the wide positions, and Mahrez could be an upgrade, should he hit the ground running.