‘We were never close’ – Arsenal pull out of transfer race for £50m Roma target who could be set to join Cengiz Under

Roma have been given a transfer boost in their pursuit of Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.

The Italian giants were reported to be competing with Arsenal for the Algerian international but Arsene Wenger has confirmed they are no longer in the running.

“We were never close,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference when asked about Arsenal moving for Mahrez.

“I rate him as a player but we have similar types with Alex Iwobi, Jack Wilshere back, Mesut Ozil … we have plenty of the same type of players.”

The Foxes reportedly want £50 million for their star man according to ESPN, a fee Roma have yet to match.

The Italian outfit have had two offers rejected by Leicester.

Roma sporting director Monchi revealed that they are waiting for a response from the Foxes.

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

“I’m optimistic by nature, but the truth is that Roma did everything possible to buy the player,” Monchi insisted at Gregoire Defrel’s presentation.

“He would have been the most expensive player in Roma’s history, we’re waiting for an answer but up until now we haven’t received any positive feedback from the other side.

“The offer we made was an important one, but the priority isn’t just Mahrez because we’ve done everything necessary and now we’re looking around for other players.

“If we take another player we won’t have anything to reproach ourselves, because we tried until the end.

“Could we raise our offer for Mahrez? I’m satisfied with the effort the club has made to sign the player. I don’t think any other club has bid over €30m, as Roma did.

“The player expressed what he wants publicly, but it’s right that we respect his club.

“In the end everything comes down to whether or not Leicester want to sell the player.”

Mahrez would join Turkish international Cengiz Under on the right flank if he were to join Roma.

As things stand the Turkish international looks set to be first choice for the Italian giants this season.

The 20-year-old would probably drop behind Mahrez in the pecking order if he were to join.

Under was signed on a €15 million move from Basaksehir earlier this summer and scored on his debut against Tottenham in the 2-1 International Championship Cup victory in the US.