Riyad Mahrez released by Algeria to complete transfer amid Barcelona and Arsenal links

Roma were thought to be favourites to land Mahrez earlier in the summer but were unwilling to meet Leicester’s valuation.

Their interest has tailed off in recent weeks and Leicester looked set to hold on to the 26-year-old until January atleast.

But he looks set to leave the King Power Stadium after Algeria released him from international duty.

The national team announced the news on Twitter with speculation running wild about his potential destination.

The tweet read: ”Mahrez [is] allowed to go formalise his transfer to a new club."

Spanish news outlet AS claim Barcelona have targeted Mahrez as a potential alternative to Philippe Coutinho.

And it is said they are prepared to pay up to £46million with personal terms reportedly agreed with the player.

The report goes on to say Arsenal are willing to revive their interest in the tricky winger after failing to sign him last summer.

Mahrez made it clear earlier in the summer he was seeking to leave Leicester by releasing a statement.

He rose to prominence for the Foxes during their dream Premier League title-winning campaign in 2016 and went on to win the PFA Player of the Year award that season.