Mahrez: Let me go

RIYAD MAHREZ has reiterated his desire to leave Leicester just a week before the start of the Premier League season.

Leicester maintain the Algerian is not for sale and rejected £32million from Roma, but a £50m bid might change things.

‘I know Roma came in, but nothing was accepted so there is little I can do,’ said Mahrez, who made it clear he wanted to leave at the end of last season.

‘They are a great club who I’d like to talk to but I can’t until Leicester accept a deal. Leicester know my thoughts, but I will continue to give my best for the club as I always have.’ Mahrez, who has a young family, is understood to prefer to stay in England but featuring again in European competition is a priority. Arsenal may make a move as they struggle to prise Thomas Lemar from Monaco, while Chelsea are also interested.

‘It is flattering whenever you get linked with any big clubs, but as it stands, I have not talked to anyone,’ said Mahrez. ‘But we nearly have a month left of the transfer window so we will see what happens.’