LONDON, United Kingdom, Oct 10 – Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that he was in touch with Arsenal during the off-season about a potential transfer to the Gunners.
The Algerian international, who was crowned the PFA player of the year, was a key figure as the Foxes surprising won the league title last season under manager Claudio Ranieri.
The 25-year old Mahrez had many suitors lining up to sign him and was heavily linked to Arsenal during the transfer window, but has revealed why he turned the move down.
Mahrez told Canal Football Club: “There was contact with Arsenal. But Leicester wanted to keep me and I was pretty expensive. I did not want to create a conflict when the offer came in.
“Personally, I think it is a good thing I stayed put. It’s now up to me to prove myself again.”
Mahrez has since signed a new deal to stay at the King Power Stadium until 2020.
