After quite an underwhelming season this term following their stunning title win last season, Leicester City will definitely find it hard to retain their star players. The departure of N’Golo Kante last season was a huge blow for the Foxes, something from which they have never really recovered. And if reports are to believed, the next star to leave King Power Stadium is their star winger, Riyad Mahrez.
The African Player of the Year started the season as the most exciting forward to watch out for, but soon faded away. He has managed just six goals and four assists in the league, so far, and with only three games remaining the Algerian has little chance to end the season strongly. And reportedly, he now wants a move out of the club with Chelsea being one of their prime suitors.
Mahrez was tied down to a contract by Leicester City last summer, which keeps him at the club till 2020. However, if reports are to be believed, the contract includes a clause that enables him to table a request to move out of the club at the end of this season.
Mahrez was a hot prospect in the summer transfer window last year with numerous clubs vying for his signature. That number has surely gone down now, however, his four goals and two assists in the Champions League could be a saving grace. Chelsea are steeped in meticulous planning for their Champions League campaign next season, and Mahrez could be an asset.
A right-winger by nature, Mahrez’s trademark move is to cut back from the flank and unleash a power shot from his left foot. And if Chelsea manage to land Mahrez, the Algerian might face difficulty in adapting to Conte’s setup, which relies hugely on winger and wing-back’s coordination in the wide areas.
However, Chelsea won’t get his signature that easily with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also keen on getting him, which makes a London club his next potential destination. Reportedly, Mahrez is labelled by Leicester City at £30 million, and given the dip in his performance this season, neither of the three suitors are likely to commit to it.
Antonio Conte has mainly played with Eden Hazard and Pedro in the two attacking midfielders’ role and Mahrez’s offensive attributes suits him there. Willian has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s most impactful player this season and little first-team action might lead him to leave the club at the end of the campaign. Conte would be needing to replace him potently there and Mahrez would be a wise addition.
