RIYAD MAHREZ HAS has told Leicester City that he wants to leave the club.
The Algeria international helped the Foxes lift the Premier League title in 2015-16, but is now looking to leave the King Power Stadium.
Goal reported earlier on Tuesday that Monaco had been priced out of a move for the 26-year-old, with Arsenal now appearing in pole position to land the winger.
And Mahrez, who is valued at €40m (£35m) by his club, has now released a statement confirming his intention to quit Leicester.
He said: “Out of the huge admiration and respect I hold for Leicester City Football Club I wanted to be totally honest and transparent with them and have therefore informed the club that I feel now is the time for me to move on.
“I had a good discussion with the Chairman last summer and we agreed at that time that I would stay for another year in order to help the club as best as I could following the transition of winning the title and in the Champions League.
“However, I am fiercely ambitious and feel that now is the time to move on to a new experience.
“I’ve always enjoyed a good relationship with the Chairman and everyone at the club, and I hope I have been able to repay the faith shown to me by my performances and commitment on the pitch during my time here.
“I’ve had the four best seasons of my career at Leicester and have loved every moment. I feel immense pride to have been a part of what we have achieved during my time at the club, culminating in becoming Premier League Champions.
“The relationship I share with the club and our amazing fans is something I will treasure forever and I truly hope they will understand and respect my decision.”
Stephen Darwin, Goal.com
