Leicester City star midfielder Riyad Mahrez has revealed why he did not make the move to Arsenal over the summer transfer window, according to the French outlet Sport (via the Express).
The Algeria international confirmed that there was contact with Arsenal over the summer however, the north London based club were unable to match Leicester City’s valuation for their star asset.
Per-the-source, Mahrez was targeted by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after helping Leicester win the Premier League title. The 25-year-old provided 11 assists, scored 17 league goals and crowned PFA Player of the Year back in April.
“There was contact with Arsenal,” Mahrez was quoted as saying by Sport.fr.
“But Leicester wanted to keep me and I was pretty expensive. I did not want to create a conflict when the offer came in.
“Personally, I think it is a good thing I stayed put. It’s now up to me to prove myself again.”
Mahrez ended up signing a contract extension with Leicester, keeping him at the club unto June 2020. The Algeria international has been unable to match his form from last season so far and has just one goal to his name after seven Premier League games this term.
Leicester City take on Chelsea in their next league clash on October 15.