Riyad Mahrez staying at Leicester, says Claudio Ranieri

By Nick Lustig

Image: Claudio Ranieri expects Riyad Mahrez to stay at Leicester

Claudio Ranieri insists there have been no approaches for Riyad Mahrez and expects the Leicester winger to remain with the Premier League champions.

The 25-year-old Algeria international was voted the 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year after playing a major role in the Foxes' memorable title-winning campaign.

He has since been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, but contrary to reports in France, Sky sources understand the Gunners have not made a £30m for him.

Jamie Vardy turned down the chance to join Arsenal earlier in the summer, signing a new four-year deal at the King Power Stadium, and Ranieri insists Mahrez, like the England forward, is also keen to stay at the club.

Watch Riyad Mahrez training with his Leicester team-mates ahead of the new Premier League season

"Could I know who is interested in Mahrez? No [approaches]. Riyad stays with us," the Leicester manager said.

Advertisement

"I say 'keep going, we have to improve, also you have to improve your experience by playing in the Champions League, it is totally different, European football is different from the Premier League and it is important to be focused on the new job'.

Image: Jamie Vardy (right) pledged his future to the Foxes following interest from Arsenal

"Yes [convinced Mahrez wants to stay] but sometimes the manager says one thing and then does another thing."

Also See:

Mahrez scored 18 times for Leicester last season and Ranieri expects him to carry that form into the new campaign.

"He is in good condition," Ranieri said. "Maybe we have to pass the ball a little more often to him. He is the winger and if no one passes to the wingers, I can pass the ball from the bench.

"He is in good form, believe me. In the training sessions he is the same. During the match you can play well or not but it's important to watch during the training session and he is very good.

"It's not a problem. When there is all this attention around your name it's because you are doing well.

Does Mahrez make your team?

Create your team, join a league and let the mind games begin!

"The speculation is normal. He is a big player and he needs to feel there are other teams and managers who want him."

Ranieri has also been busy in the transfer market this summer, notably bringing in defensive midfielder Nampalys Mendy as a replacement for N'Golo Kante and forward Ahmed Musa for a club-record fee of £16m.

When asked if he would be making any more signings, Ranieri added: "No at the moment I am very happy with this squad and until August 31 the market is open if something happens, why not? But at the moment it is closed."

Outbrain