Riyad Mahrez is reportedly set to perform a u-turn over his move to Manchester City, with Arsenal instead emerging as his preferred destination
According to an exclusive report by Daily Express Riyad Mahrez is set to turn down Manchester City’s overtures to sign him in the summer to instead join Arsenal. The Leicester City winger had been set to join the newly crowned Premier League champions in January before the move was blocked by the Foxes.
Mahrez has been a subject of interest from top Premier League clubs since he played a starring role in Leicester City’s surprise, yet comprehensive title triumph in the 2015-16 season. There was plenty of interest in him since last summer, with clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal and even Tottenham trying to sign him, but to no avail.
Mahrez’s relationship with the Leicester City hierarchy has grown strained in recent seasons, since he was, time and again denied a move to a big club, within England or abroad. Last January, Manchester City reportedly bid in the region of £60 million, but Leicester refused to sell and demanded a fee of £80 million, which the Citizens refused to meet.
The aftermath of that situation resulted in Mahrez submitting a transfer request which he thought would have forced Leicester’s hand to sell him, but nothing of that sort happened. He is believed be gearing up to secure a move away from the King Power Stadium in the summer, with Manchester City again a possible destination, as per reports. But, there is a twist in the tale now.
Mahrez has lost interest in a move to Manchester City and is instead eager to join Arsenal. The U-turn of sorts will force City to make changes to their transfer plans, although it depends on the Gunners actually making a move. Arsenal, however, will have to meet Leicester’s asking price, which is expected to be at the £60 million mark.
The reports also suggests there could be the possible preference of location in connection with the move, as they believe Mahrez has a house in London and would be reluctant to move to Manchester.
Mahrez will prove to be a good addition to either side, with his playmaking as well as his eye for a goal, qualities that will be handy to any outfit in world football. But, the fact that he is likely to secure more regular first-team football at Arsenal instead of Manchester City could also be influencing his decision.
There is a belief that Mahrez could finally get his move in the close season, considering the challenges a big club offer compared to Leicester. The Foxes have had a mixed bag season, and since the title triumph two seasons ago, the atmosphere has not been the same, with changing personnel and managers often creating a distressing environment around the King Power Stadium.
It now remains to be seen if Arsenal indeed trump Manchester City to the signing of Mahrez, should they decide to reignite their interest in the Algerian international in the summer transfer window.
