Roma in talks with Leicester City for Riyad Mahrez
By Rayna Sidhu
The midfielder has been expected to leave Leicester, with Arsenal the most likely destination. But Roma have now also expressed an interest.
It is reported that Roma are in talks as they need a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who joined Liverpool earlier in the summer for a club-record fee. Arsenal have stalled on any progression in discussions with Leicester as they chase Thomas Lemar of Monaco.
Riyad Mahrez wowed during the 2015/16 season, which ended in Leicester winning the league. He was rumoured to leave the club back then, again for Arsenal, as was teammate Jamie Vardy. Both remained, with N’golo Kante the only one to leave.
At the time, it seemed a show of loyalty that could not be faulted. The Algerian wanted to defend the title and compete in the Champions League with his team. What was unanticipated – or completely predictable, depending how you look at it – was Leicester’s crash back to reality.
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They struggled in the league from the outset and although they made it to the Champions League quarter-finals, they also suffered through the controversy of manager Claudio Ranieri losing his job. On an individual level, Mahrez only scored six goals last season in the league and assisted three.
Mahrez could have been worth a lot more last summer. He was fresh, fit, and valuable as both a league champion and PFA player of the year. He would have had the pick of more clubs than just Arsenal or Roma.
Saying that, Leicester are now being brave with a valuation of £50 million for the 26 year old. Initial reports indicate that Roma will bid around £30 million. This either shows their true disinterest in Mahrez, or the fact that they know he is not worth that much. He did not show consistency between that title-winning season and the one that followed. Of course, the whole team failed to impress, but to ask for such a high price now seems counter-productive in what’s best for the player.
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Much of this story depends on how willing Arsenal are to remain in contention for the midfielder. Roma would be a great choice and will have leverage in discussions if Arsenal stay focused on Lemar. It seems quite clear that Mahrez will be leaving, but there is still plenty of time before we find out where he will go.