Riyad Mahrez hints at Leicester City stay
Algeria international Riyad Mahrez has hinted that he could remain at Leicester City beyond the January transfer window. The 26-year-old had been desperate to join a bigger club during the summer, but his efforts to push through a move came to no avail.
Italian giants AS Roma were the leading contenders to pursue Mahrez, but they had three bids turned down by the Foxes - all of which were below the club's £40m asking price. As a result, Mahrez took permission from the Algerian training camp to seal a deadline day agreement, but none of his former suitors including Arsenal and Chelsea made an approach.
Speaking prior to the Manchester City, Mahrez insisted that he is settled with the former Premier League champions despite not earning his desired move during the previous transfer window. The attacker added that he is 'very confident' with how things have evolved this term, and he is prepared to buy his time at the King Power Stadium.
He said: "I am settled, I’ve always been settled. Of course I wanted a new challenge, but it didn’t happen and that’s okay. Like I said, I wasn’t disappointed for myself because I love this club and I have been through everything with this club. We won the league, we were in the Champions League and we got safety in the last two games in the first year in the Premier League. I have been through everything with this club. I am very confident here. I feel good."
Despite Mahrez's comments, the Algerian continues to be linked with long-term admirers Arsenal, who are preparing to lose both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil between January and the end of the season. The pair currently have just seven months left on their existing contracts, and it is suggested that one of the pair could be sold on a cut-price move in the New Year.