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Riyad Mahrez to Arsenal in doubt: Gunners unwilling to meet Leicester's £50m asking price
RIYAD MAHREZ is expected to start pre-season training with Leicester on Friday as Arsenal are unwilling to match his £50m price-tag.
Leicester's Riyad Mahrez tipped to be replaced by Tom Lawrence
Arsenal have held talks with Leicester about Riyad Mahrez but are unwilling to pay more than £35m for the Algerian.
Mahrez handed in a transfer request at the end of the season and spoke of his desire to play for a top club and win trophies but interest in the winger has been small due to Leicester’s demand for around £50m.
After signing Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette, Arsenal have turned their attention to Monaco's Thomas Lemar.
It’s been a different season this year but it doesn’t take anything away from his qualities
However Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Mahrez with manager Arsene Wenger a known admirer of the player.
If Alexis Sanchez departs the club this summer, Lemar and Mahrez have been looked at as a possible replacements.
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal have held discussions with Leicester about Mahrez but their high valuation has put them off.
Arsenal want to pay £35m for Riyad Mahrez
When asked about Mahrez last month, Wenger said: “Have we made a bid for him? No. Not yet. Not yet means it could happen, it could not happen.
“I think he had a huge impact at Leicester when they won the championship, like everybody else.
“It’s been a different season this year but it doesn’t take anything away from his qualities.”
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