AS Roma are interested in securing the signature of Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez next summer. According to recent reports, the Serie A giants are ready to reignite their interest on the Foxes’ winger after the player’s dream move to Manchester City fell through in January. The Algerian has already tried to force a move to City in the past and could jump at an opportunity to move away from the King Power Stadium in the summer.
It is believed that City might have used him as a squad player at the Etihad Stadium but Roma are ready to offer him regular first-team action which could help them in their pursuit of the talented winger. However, the Foxes are set to demand a huge transfer fee as they consider Mahrez to be a key asset. The Algerian’s current contract with Leicester City runs until the summer of 2020 which could mean that the West Midlands club will be under no pressure to sell.
Some sources are now claiming that the Giallorossi are prepared to offer a cash-plus-player deal for Mahrez which could tip the scales in their favour. The 27-year-old winger has put in some dazzling performances this season and has scored two goals in his last three outings with the Foxes.
Claude Puel’s side are currently sitting in 8th place in the Premier League standings with a tally of 40 points in 30 matches. They are too far away from the ‘Big Six’ of the Premier League but a top 7 finish this season is well within their grasps. Retaining some of their top talents like Mahrez will be integral if they are to challenge for a European place in the coming years.
The Algeria international has featured in 33 matches for the West Midlands outfit and has found the back of the net 11 times while providing 11 assists in all competitions. His incredible form along with Jamie Vardy is one of the main reasons why Leicester City tasted Premier League success during the 2015-16 campaign. The Foxes cannot afford to lose a player of Mahrez’s quality and should do all they can to keep hold of him beyond this season.
The 27-year-old is highly versatile and can operate in a number of different positions across the frontline. He can be deployed on either flank or in the number 10 position which makes him a key asset for Claude Puel’s men. Evidently, there is absolutely no chance that the French tactician will let him make a switch out of the King Power Stadium in the near future.
