Transfer Centre

Riyad Mahrez 'still wanted by Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 14 October 2017

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly go head-to-head in January to land Riyad Mahrez, who may be allowed to leave Leicester City for £30m.

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez remains a £30m transfer target for Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the winter window, according to a report.

The North London duo were both linked with the Algeria international during the summer, only for Roma to get in first by making four separate bids.

City boss Craig Shakespeare repeatedly stressed that Mahrez would not be sold unless his valuation, understood to be around £45m at the time, was met in full.

Roma fell short with a rumoured fourth offer of £32m, but The Mirror suggests that Arsenal and Spurs will try their luck with a slightly smaller sum as the 26-year-old is desperate for a move away.

Mahrez was dropped to the bench for the goalless draw with Bournemouth before the international break, as he struggles to match the form of 2015-16 when winning the PFA Player of the Year award.

The report suggests that Shakespeare will be less reluctant to offload in January, with recruits required to bolster his squad in other areas of the field.