Riyad Mahrez, who has been released from international duty by Algeria, prefers a move to Tottenham.
Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City in action
According to reports in the Sun, Tottenham have stolen a march on arch rivals Arsenal for the signature of Algerian international Riyad Mahrez.
The report suggests that the Leicester City star will choose Tottenham over Arsenal, given that Spurs can offer the 2016 PFA Player of the year Champions League football. Leicester have already rejected two bids from Roma, the second of which was an offer in the region of £32 million (as reported by the Sun).
Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur
The same report also suggests that the 2015-16 Premier League Champions will hold out for a fee around the region of £50 million for the international, which would make him a club-record signing.
The Algerian FA in an official statement confirmed on Wednesday that they have released Mahrez, “to make an express trip to Europe to formalise on Thursday his transfer to his new club”. Which suggests that the 26-year-old will most likely make a move on deadline day.
Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City is closed down by Sead Kolasinac (L) and Danny Welbeck (R)
Tottenham are desperately in need of a winger, and Riyad Mahrez given his experience in the Premier League seems to be the ideal signing for the North London club. The club have already strengthened their defensive ranks this season with Juan Foyth and Davinson Sánchez joining earlier in the window.
Given the fact that Tottenham will most likely compete on two fronts this season (the Premier League and Champions League), the unpredictability Mahrez provides could be integral to what they eventually achieve this season.
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