Riyad Mahrez's slim hopes of signing for Barcelona appear to have been killed off, with the Algerian's agent turning his attention elsewhere.

Spanish publication Sport reported that the 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year had spoken with Barcelona, but there has now been little communication for weeks.

Arsenal tried and failed to sign the Leicester midfielder last summer, with the 26-year-old eventually committing himself to a new deal at the King Power Stadium.

But 12 months on, Mahrez has told Leicester's board he is determined to leave the club before the beginning of the 2017/18 season.

Mahrez in action against Arsenal last season (
Image:
Leicester City FC)

Arsenal remain interested but have other targets — Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Lemar, Kylian Mbappe — they would prefer to sign.

For Mahrez and his agent, though, Arsenal appear the best option.

The Premier League side have the financial capabilities to prise him away from Leicester as well as satisfy his wage demands.