Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal are interested in signing Riyad Mahrez.

Wenger also insisted the Gunners are determined to keep contract rebels Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez this summer, as he promised they will not weaken their squad despite missing out on the Champions League.

The Frenchman has clearly got Mahrez in his sights, after he asked to leave deposed champions Leicester.

Wenger, in an interview with beIN Sports, said: “We have not made a bid, but personally, I like the player, yes. I think he made a huge impact when they won the championship.

"Like everybody else at Leicester, this season has been more challenging, but it doesn’t take away from his qualities.

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“Have we made a bid for him? No. Not yet. No, we have not.

"When I say ‘not yet’ it means it could happen. It might not happen.”

Wenger also said they will keep Sanchez and Ozil and said they must also take responsibility for missing out on the top four.

They are both asking for in excess of £300,000-a-week with Bayern Munich leading the chase for Sanchez.

Wenger insisted missing out on the top four will not affect the chances of keeping them and said: “I don’t think it will have a big impact because firstly they were part of not getting in there.

“Secondly, they love the club, they integrate well the values of the club and live the football we play.

Wenger also addressed the futures of Arsenal's star men Sanchez and Ozil (
Image:
Arsenal FC)

“Anyway, they are under contract for another season.

"This summer, first of all, they will stay at the club and hopefully we can extend their contracts. We cannot weaken the club or the team unless we can find someone of the same calibre and they absolutely want to believe.

“If you sign a contract somewhere then you sign to give your best for the rest of the contract.”

Wenger also insisted that he would have signed even if Arsenal had lost the FA Cup final last weekend.

He added: “I would have maybe hesitated a bit more, but if, after 20 years, does your future depend on one game and 90 minutes?”

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