Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez looks set to leave the club this summer after releasing a statement confirming he wants to quit the Foxes.
The Algerian was crowned PFA Player of the Year in 2016 after the Foxes won the league title for the first time in their 133- year history.
Mahrez, though, was unable to recapture his form last term and struggled as Claudio Ranieri was sacked and replaced by Craig Shakespeare.
Leicester handed Mahrez a new £100,000-a-week deal last summer to keep him away from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal but they look set to lose him this time around after he asked for a transfer.
‘Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on,’ said Mahrez.
‘I had a good discussion with the Chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League.
‘However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience.
‘I’ve always enjoyed a good relationship with the Chairman and everyone at the club, and I hope I have been able to repay the faith shown to me by my performances and commitment on the pitch here.
‘I’ve had the four best seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League Champions.
‘The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans is something I will treasure forever and I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision.’
Despite a difficult season, Mahrez would still command a fee in the region of £40million and Ligue 1 giants Monaco are also thought to be interested.
Mahrez bagged 19 goals in 39 appearances as the Foxes were crowned champions in 2016 but last season yielded just ten goals in 48 appearances.
The Algerian was nominated for the Ballon d’Or after his exploits in the 2015/16 campaign, coming seventh.
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