Arsenal are reportedly ahead of Monaco in the running to sign Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez as the Ligue 1 champions cannot afford his wage demands.
The Algeria international was a target for the Gunners last summer before signing a new deal at the King Power Stadium, but again looks like being at the centre of a transfer tussle this summer.
Previous reports claimed Arsenal could be joined by Chelsea and Tottenham in pursuing Mahrez this summer, and a member of his entourage has confirmed Monaco could struggle to sign him.
Leicester would supposedly ask for £35million for the 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year, who scored 10 goals in all competitions this season as his side slumped to 12th in the table just a year after their surprise Premier League title win.
Having stayed with the Foxes as they entered the Champions League in 2016/17, it now seems logical that Mahrez will look to leave for a bigger club, and Arsenal may now be in a good position after this boost.
Reports on Tuesday suggest he has gone as far as telling Leicester he wants to leave.
‘If Monaco cannot pay and Riyad signs a new contract, it will not be below a minimum salary of €6m (£5.2million),’ a member of his entourage told Goal.
Although Arsenal are themselves out of the Champions League now, that is not thought to be a potential stumbling block due to Chelsea cooling their interest and Manchester City already moving for another attacking midfield option in Bernardo Silva.
The 26-year-old seems ideal for the way Arsenal play, and could fill an important role in Arsene Wenger’s side amid doubts over Alexis Sanchez’s future at the Emirates Stadium.
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