Arsenal transfer blow as £50m Leicester star confirms he wants to hold talks with Italian giants

Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez has revealed that he wants to hold talks with Italian giants Roma.

The Mahrez interest will be of particular interest for Roma’s €15 million signing Cengiz Under.

The 20-year-old was brought in as a replacement for Mohamed Salah and as things stand he does not face much competition on the right flank.

Under currently looks like he’ll be first choice on the right next season but if Roma land Mahrez he could fall behind the Algerian in the pecking order.

See More: Who is Cengiz Under? – The Turkish wonder-kid linked with Man United & Tottenham

Mahrez did confirm that he will work his hardest for the Foxes but that if permitted he would consider a move to the Serie A outfit.

“I know Roma have made an offer, but Leicester turned it down,” he told Sky Sports.

“There is nothing to do at the moment, Roma are a big club and I’d like to talk with them.

“I can’t do it until Leicester accept their offer. The club know what I want to do.

“I will do my best until I play for this team but of course I hope something will happen in the transfer market.”

The latest development comes as a blow to Arsenal’s efforts to sign the Algerian international.

The Express report the Gunners have been tracking Mahrez for weeks and an offer was expected this month.

Per the source, the Foxes want around £50 million for Mahrez, a fee that neither Roma nor Arsenal have been willing to match.

Roma reportedly had a £20 million offer rejected by Leicester but are expected to increase their bid.