Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez ‘wants to quit Leicester this month and has agreement to do so with owners’
Arsene Wenger could launch a swoop for the winger as a replacement for the wantaway Alexis Sanchez
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RIYAD MAHREZ is still intent on quitting Leicester this month - and reportedly has an agreement with the club's owners to do so.
The Algerian winger handed in a transfer request to the Foxes last summer but a move away failed to materialise.
Roma, Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal were all interested in the 26-year-old but none managed to prise him from the King Power Stadium.
Liverpool have also been linked with a big-money swoop to bring him to Anfield.
Mahrez's form has improved dramatically in recent months following the arrival of Claude Puel as manager following the sacking of Craig Shakespeare.
But any hopes of him remaining with Leicester are slim, according to Get French Football.
The publication have followed up SunSport's report last week that a promise still remains between the Foxes and the star that he will be allowed to leave if his £50m valuation is met.
A source told Algeria newspaper Le Buteur: "Riyad is a very important part of Leicester's squad. They have promised him that he can leave if the club that wants to buy him meets their asking price.
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"I think that if he does leave Leicester it will happen close to when the transfer window closes. The negotiations will surely take a lot of time.
"I can confirm that Riyad still wants to leave Leicester for a big club. However, we must wait for firm offers to come in for this to happen.
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"Riyad is very ambitious. But you can be sure that he won't try to force through a move just so he can leave.
"Despite all that has been said about his future transfer, Riyad remains completely focused on playing for Leicester.
"He isn't concerned about the rumours doing the rounds, even though I've no doubt they annoy him.
"But as long as no deal is done he will continue to be fully committed to Leicester, just the way he has always been."
Arsenal could reignite their interest in Mahrez if Alexis Sanchez completes his exit out of the Emirates this week.
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Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confirmed the Chilean's future would likely "be decided within 48 hours" as the South American nears a move to Manchester United -although neighbours City still hope to hijack that switch.
Mahrez shot to stardom and won the PFA Player of the Year award as he helped Leicester to their historic Premier League title triumph in 2016.
He played the full ninety minutes as the Foxes held champions Chelsea to a goalless draw on Saturday.