Riyad Mahrez: Leicester star wants Roma move in huge blow for Arsenal

LEICESTER star Riyad Mahrez has confirmed he wants to join Roma in a major blow to suitors Arsenal.

Riyad MahrezGETTY

Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez wants to join Roma

Arsenal have been tracking Mahrez for weeks and an offer this month was expected.

Leicester want around £50million for their playmaker - a fee that has left Roma and Arsenal reconsidering their interest.

But the Algeria international has spoken out about his situation and confirmed Roma is where he wants to go.

“I know Roma have made an offer, but Leicester turned it down,” he told Sky Sports.

“There is nothing to do at the moment, Roma are a big club and I’d like to talk with them.

Riyad MahrezGETTY

Riyad Mahrez (left) has handed in a transfer request at Leicester

“I can’t do it until Leicester accept their offer. The club know what I want to do.

“I will do my best until I play for this team but of course I hope something will happen in the transfer market.”

Roma sporing director Monchi is working on the move and has even spoken to the club’s owner James Pallotta to try and free up more funds for a bid.

Their first offer of £20m was swiftly rejected by Leicester.

Riyad Mahrez caught talking up Chelsea on camera

As for Arsenal, they are considering their options with a month left of the transfer window.

The Gunners are also in for Monaco winger Thomas Lemar but are struggling to get the Ligue 1 club to accept an offer.

Monaco want £45m for their star playmaker - a fee Arsenal believe is inflated in the current market.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?