Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly set to beat Arsenal and Tottenham and land Riyad Mahrez in the summer with a £35 million bid for the Algerian
The Sun are claiming that Paris Saint-Germain could be set to beat a host of suitors in the pursuit of Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez. The player is being tailed by Arsenal and Tottenham among other high-profile clubs. But, it seems the French giants are intent on securing the Algerian’s signature.
Riyad Mahrez was one of the pillars of Leicester City’s heroic save from relegation in their first season back in the top-flight and an even more charismatic Premier League-winning campaign last season. However, this season has been rather dull for both the team and the player, with their run in the Champions League the only standout so far.
Claudio Ranieri was sacked and the Foxes have managed to somewhat reverse their fortunes since. Mahrez, though, has recorded a paltry return of 6 goals and 4 assists so far in the league – a huge downturn in comparison to his last season.
However, there is no doubt as to the ability the Algerian possesses and the winger is still capable of terrorizing any opposition on his best day. It was reported earlier that Arsenal and Tottenham were keen to do business with the Foxes for the 26-year-old.
Riyad Mahrez, too, is hoping that Leicester City honour their agreement of letting Mahrez leave at the end of the season – an agreement which was in place during Claudio Ranieri – despite the departure of the Italian.
Riyad Mahrez will be the first of several Leicester players to be sold this summer – with PSG willing to pay £35m. (Source: Daily Star) pic.twitter.com/QLzPh8zRnf
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 11, 2017
Arsenal would need a winger to add to the squad, especially if either or both of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Alexis Sanchez end up leaving the club in the summer. Riyad Mahrez came close to signing for Arsenal last summer and would be a massive boost to Arsenal’s squad if he arrives at Emirates.
Tottenham, on the other hand, are spoilt for options in every position – every position barring the wing – where Moussa Sissoko has failed to impress and there have been doubts as to Son Heung-Min’s long term viability at the club.
Riyad Mahrez’s ability to add goals will turn Spurs’ attack into an even more lethal prospect, especially with the presence of Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane at the club.
Transfer Rumour: Arsenal and Tottenham set to go head-to-head for Leicester attacker Riyad Mahrez
However, Paris Saint-Germain, who were also linked with the player last summer, are looking to beat their other suitors with a £35 million bid for the Algerian.
It is though, hard to conceive as to how the French giants intend to use the winger, with the presence of Lucas Moura, Angel Di Maria, Goncalo Guedes, Julian Draxler and Giovani Lo Celso already within the setup at Parc des Princes.
Angel Di Maria and Lucas Moura have been linked with summer exits, which could free up spots for Riyad Mahrez. But, the club has to facilitate the movement of at least two of their players before moving for Mahrez, if they want the Algerian to agree to the move.
Whichever club he ends up joining, Leicester City are set to face a summer exodus of sorts and Riyad Mahrez is likely to be at the top of the departure list.
