Leicester star Riyad Mahrez ready to start against Arsenal, claims boss Craig Shakespeare

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Craig Shakespeare is ready to start Riyad Mahrez against Arsenal despite the Algerian wanting out and Arsene Wenger being a known admirer.

Leicester travel to the Emirates for the Premier League's curtain raiser on Friday but Mahrez has trained well according to Shakespeare and is not trying to force a move.

'I wouldn't have any qualms to start him against Arsenal,' said Shakespeare. 'I can only speak on how I've found him so far since he's come back. 

Leicester are ready to start Riyad Mahrez in their Premier League opener with Arsenal

Craig Shakespeare claims the Algerian has remained focused in recent weeks

He's been very focused and hasn't given me one problem where I've had to take him to one side and say, "Oi, pull your finger out."

'Until we a get a bid that's suitable for Leicester then he stays, and if he stays focused then he'll be considered for selection.'

Roma were rebuffed in an offer worth £32million for Mahrez but the Italian club may return, while Chelsea are monitoring the situation at a distance. 

Wenger has spoken publicly about liking the 26-year-old but Leicester value Mahrez at the £50m mark.

Leicester have already rebuffed an offer for Mahrez in the region of £32m from Roma

Shakespeare admitted he did not know whether Mahrez would still be a Leicester player beyond the transfer deadline, but added that if the former PFA Player of the Year did begin to kick up fuss he would be sent to train with the youth team. 

'If he doesn't stay professional then he won't train with the group,' Shakespeare added. 'We've spoken a couple of times now over last couple weeks - little reminders.'

Shakespeare also said any Chelsea pursuit for Danny Drinkwater would prove futile. Antonio Conte is interested in signing Drinkwater to provide midfield competition after losing Nemanja Matic.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the former PFA Player of the Year

Discussions between the clubs are understood to have taken place with Chelsea willing to offer around £30m but Shakespeare expects the 27-year-old to stay.

'We don't want to be a selling club, we want to add to it,' said Shakespeare. 'We don't want to sell our best players. The speculation is always going to be out there at this time of year.

'You know when you have good players there might be an interest in them. You have to deal with reality but also keep a calmness about you as well.'