Riyad Mahrez: Arsenal still in hunt but bookies back Roma move for Leicester star

The 2016 PFA Player of the Year is looking to leave the King Power Stadium this summer.

And reports have suggested he would prefer a move to Arsenal as the Algeria international aims to force through his exit.

However, Roma are showing the strongest interest in Mahrez, having already had a bid of around £20million turned down.

The Serie A club are set to return with a second offer for the 26-year-old, though, as they look to replace £39m Liverpool new boy Mohamed Salah.

Arsenal have not yet made an approach for Mahrez, despite carrying an interest in the Leicester ace.

While they are still tracking Mahrez, who scored in a 1-0 friendly win at Luton last night, it appears Roma are edging closer to his signature.

“Despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs, it is Italian side Roma who are looking likely to sign Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez and are priced at 6/5 to do so," a BetStars spokesperson said. 

"The skilful 26-year-old is after a move away from the King Power Stadium where he was instrumental in securing Leicester’s Premier League title in 2016. 

“Arsenal are still to give up the hunt for Mahrez but have seen their odds lengthen to 5/2 since Roma ramped up their interest.

"Tottenham and Chelsea have an outsiders chance of securing the Algerian’s services and are priced at 14/1 and 25/1 respectively.”

Arsene Wenger has prioritised Monaco's Thomas Lemar in his search for a winger.

With Alexis Sanchez potentially departing this summer, Lemar is the preferred choice to come in ahead of Mahrez.

Leicester's £40m valuation has also put off the Gunners, along with their Premier League rivals.