Mahrez confirms approach from EPL giant

London: Lescester City forward Riyad Mahrez has confirmed Arsenal tried to sign him last summer but the Premier League champions refused to sell. Mahrez, who was a key component in Leicester’s march to the title last season, was continually linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium during the transfer window but a move never materialised.

However, the Algeria international has revealed there was an approach from Arsenal but he refused to force through a move with Claudio Ranieri determined to keep him at the King Power Stadium. “There was contact with Arsenal,” Mahrez told Canal Football Club. “But Leicester wanted to keep me and I was pretty expensive. I did not want to create a conflict when the offer came in.” Mahrez eventually drew a line under the speculation surrounding his future by signing a new contract with Leicester, tying him to the club until 2020. Sky Sports