Leicester will not sell Riyad Mahrez on the cheap to Roma to leave door open for Arsenal to swoop
Roma were prepared to break transfer record for Mahrez but sporting director Monchi has moved to other targets
LEICESTER will not sell Riyad Mahrez to Roma this summer unless the Italian club meet their valuation.
Roma had tabled bids of £21million and over £30million for Mahrez but the Foxes threw out both bids and will not consider selling until someone meets their minimum valuation of £50million with Arsenal also interested.
However there is nothing to suggest the Gunners have altered their position from last summer, when Arsene Wenger snubbed the want-away winger.
The message finally got through to the Italian giants as Roma’s sporting director Monchi accepted defeat and confirmed, with three years remaining on his current contract, Leicester hold all the aces where Mahrez is concerned.
Monchi told Italian media: “I’m optimistic by nature but the truth is Roma did everything possible to buy the player.
“He would have been the most expensive player in Roma’s history but up until now we haven’t received any positive feedback from the other side.
“The offer we made was an important one but the priority isn’t just Mahrez because we’ve done everything necessary – now we’re looking around for other players.
“If my memory does not deceive me, the latest offer would be the club’s most expensive purchase in our history. We are, therefore, engaged and expect an answer."
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Mahrez claimed he wanted to speak to Roma but sources close to the player believe his preferred choice has always been to stay in the richest league in the world – with Arsenal, his No.1 option if they enter the fray.
Monchi said: “The player (Mahrez) expressed what he wants publicly but it’s right that we respect his club.
"In the end everything will be resolved in the will or desire of whether or not Leicester want to sell the player.”
With those three years remaining on his contract, the answer from Leicester’s camp remains a resounding: ‘No.’
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