Wenger targets Riyad Mahrez

(FILES) This file photo taken on May 01, 2016 shows Leicester City's Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez controlling the ball during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England. Mahrez, one of the stars of Leicester City's unlikely Premier League title triumph last season, has hinted that only "two or three" clubs could tempt him to leave the English champions. Algerian international Mahrez, who was named player of the year in England by his fellow professionals last season after playing a crucial role in Claudio Ranieri's side's success, has been linked with a big-money move away in the summer. Arsenal, who travel to Leicester this weekend, have been credited with a strong interest in Mahrez but the Foxes are desperate to keep hold of the player. / AFP PHOTO / OLI SCARFF

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said he is willing to sign Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez when the transfer window opens.

The 26-year old, who won the PFA Player of the Season award at the end of 2015/2016 season, scored 10 goals and provided seven assists as Leicester finished 12th in the league and reached the Champions League quarter-finals this season.

But he has asked the club to let him leave though he only just signed a four-year deal last August.


Despite expressing his interest in Mahrez publicly, Wenger did not confirm if a bid has been made yet.

“Have we made a bid for him? No. Not yet. Not yet means it could happen, it could not happen,” said Wenger.

“I think he had a huge impact at Leicester when they won the championship, like everybody else,” Wenger told Bein Sports.

“It’s been a different season this year but it doesn’t take anything away from his qualities.”

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