Arsenal haven’t made offer for top 26-year-old attacker, claims manager
Leicester City boss Craig Shakespeare rubbishes speculation linking Riyad Mahrez with a move to Arsenal this summer
Arsenal haven’t made an offer to sign Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez despite transfer speculation suggesting otherwise, according to manager Craig Shakespeare.
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move to sign the 26-year-old Algeria international in the summer transfer window as Arsene Wenger looks to rebuild after last season’s disappointing fifth-place finish.
The Arsenal manager has previously addressed rumours linking the former PFA player of the year with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer despite Mahrez’s disappointing 2016-17 campaign.
Mahrez played a vital role in firing Leicester to a remarkable Premier League title in 2016 when the attacking midfielder scored 17 goals and made 11 assists in 37 top-flight appearances.
However, Leicester boss Shakespeare has revealed that the Foxes haven’t received any offers for the African playmaker in the 2017 summer transfer window.
“I’m not worried,” Shakespeare told Sky Sports News HQ. “Can it be disappointing when a player comes out publically? Yes.
“I think we have to look what is behind that as well, in terms of advice. We have to understand Riyad’s concerns but while he is contracted to the football club, and while we’ve had no bids for him, which we haven’t, he has to be professional and we have to be professional.
“He has to be fully committed here and I expect him to do that.”
Mahrez produced disappointing figures of six goals and three assists in Leicester’s underwhelming defence of their title crown as the Foxes managed to avoid relegation.
Arsenal spent a club-record £52m fee on Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette last week after having signed Bosnian defender Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke 04 last month.
