Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez has been “distracted” by transfer speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal, according to Claudio Ranieri.
The 25-year-old’s rich vein of form helped fire the Foxes to their first ever Premier League title but did not go unnoticed by Europe’s elite clubs.
Mahrez scored 17 top-flight goals and assisted 11 more last season, which has seen the Algeria international strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Jamie Vardy was also on Arsenal’s radar, only to reject their advances and claim the decision to stay at Leicester was an “easy” one.
But Ranieri has admitted Mahrez has been knocked off his stride as rumours about the midfielder’s situation continue to circulate.
“Maybe Riyad is distracted a bit by all of these rumours and speculation,” Ranieri conceded.
“But that is also an experience for my players. It is important that he understands that he should stay with us.
“He has to improve his fitness and play for the team as well last season.”
Leicester suffered a chastening 4-0 defeat to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint- Germain on Saturday night and have just one more pre-season friendly left to play before next weekend’s Community Shield clash with Manchester United.
The Foxes are also set to compete in their maiden Champions League campaign next term but Ranieri is adamant the club’s primary aim is to avoid relegation rather than compete for silverware again.
“The focus is to be safe. And then – if it’s possible – go and make experiences.
“It’s the first time in Leicester City football club’s life to go into the Champions League – it’s amazing.
“With a lot of respect we will try to do our best,” he added.
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