London’s top Premier League clubs could be on alert after Riyad Mahrez released a statement confirming that he wants to leave Leicester City this summer.
In the statement – published by Sky Sports – the Algerian revealed that he has informed the club of his decision and admitted that the two parties agreed last year that the winger would stay for one more season.
“Out of the huge admiration and respect 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.
“I had a good discussion with the chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League. However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience.”
Earlier this month, The Telegraph reported that North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal could show an interest in Mahrez, while Chelsea were also keeping an eye on the situation.
The 26-year-old took home the PFA Player of the Year award last season for his influential role in Leicester’s shock Premier League title-winning campaign.
Mahrez scored 17 goals and created 11 assists, but he failed to replicate that form this season, netting just six and making three others in the league.
The winger’s statement has sparked a reaction on Twitter, with fans from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham all considering whether he is worth a bid this summer.
