Arsenal have 'not yet' bid for Riyad Mahrez but Arsene Wenger admits 'it could happen'
- Riyad Mahrez has announced his intention to leave Leicester this summer
- Arsenal are among the teams interested in last season's player of the year
- But Arsene Wenger insists they have 'not yet' bid for the Algerian
- 'Not yet means it could happen, it could not happen,' says Wenger
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have 'not yet' made a bid for wantaway Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez.
Mahrez put Premier League clubs on alert this week when he announced in a statement that he wants to leave the King Power Stadium.
Arsenal are among those tracking the 26-year-old and Wenger has indicated that they will test Leicester with an offer.
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have 'not yet' made a bid for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez
Wenger admitted that he is a big fan of Mahrez, but has not yet put in a bid for the player
'We have not made a bid for him but personally I like the player, yes,' Wenger told BeIN SPORTS.
'I think he had a huge impact at Leicester when they won the championship like everybody else at Leicester.
'It's been a different season this year but it doesn't take anything away from his qualities.
'Have we made a bid for him? No. Not yet. Not yet means it could happen, it could not happen.'
Mahrez is on £100,000 a week at Leicester and there is no release clause in his contract, which he only signed last summer. It still has three years to run.
The former PFA Player of the Year winner's statement read: 'Out of the huge respect and admiration I hold for Leicester City Football Club, I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on.
Mahrez was the stand-out player as Leicester won the Premier League in 2016 against the odds
But the Algerian has announced his intention to leave the club this summer
'I had a good discussion with the chairman last summer and we agreed at that time I would stay for another year to help the club as best I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League. However I am fiercely ambitious and feel now is the time to move on to a new experience.
'I have always enjoyed a good relationship with the chairman and everybody at the football club and I hope I have been able to repay the faith shown in me by my performances and commitment on the pitch during my time here.
'I have had the best four seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League champions.
'The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans is something I will treasure forever. I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision.'
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