Soccer Transfer Rumors: Arsenal Eyeing Leicester City Star Riyad Mahrez

Arsenal are reportedly keeping an eye on Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez, who is expected to get a lot of attention after the 2015-16 season.

According to ESPN FC, Arsenal have joined the race to acquire Mahrez, who has rose to prominence this season because of his impressive year with the Foxes. The Algeria international has netted 14 goals and tallied 10 assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season, helping Leicester City stay on top of the table after 27 games.

Arsenal, who are currently third in the table and are just five points behind Leicester City, are prepared to make a strong offer should Mahrez asks the Foxes to sold him this summer.

Aside from Arsenal, Manchester United were also linked to a possible move for Mahrez. Spanish La Liga powerhouse clubs FC Barcelona and Real Madrid also have the winger on their radar. The Mirror reported that FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is already keeping an eye on the Leicester City star.

Mahrez, who moved to Leicester City in 2014 after spending three years with French club Le Havre AC, signed a new contract in August, which tied him up to the Foxes until after the 2018-19 season. However, Mahrez became a hot commodity because of Leicester City's surprising run in the Premier League this season.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri said that he wants to keep his team intact, but added that he will also be open to selling players who want to move elsewhere.

"We want to keep all our players," Ranieri told reporters on Saturday via The Guardian. "We believe in them. But if a player comes to me and says: 'Boss, I want to go there because it's my ambition to go there', I'll say: 'Go and enjoy and have good luck.' Because I want only players who are happy to stay here."

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