Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has stated that he has advised Riyad Mahrez to stay with the Premier League champions and spurn interest from other clubs.
The Algeria international was an essential member of the Foxes side that became unheralded English champions in 2015-16, winning the Player of the Year accolade in the process.
Arsenal are believed to be ready to move for Mahrez after a move for his team-mate Jamie Vardy failed, with the North African attacker a player that would add pace and penetration to the Gunners’ forward line.
However, despite rumblings that the star winger is eager to leave the King Power Stadium, Ranieri is remaining upbeat that his prize asset will still be at Leicester come the start of the new season.
“I think Mahrez for us is very important as our light. If he goes in another big team, there are so many lights, so many stars, why?,” Ranieri told ESPNFC.
“Stay with us, it’s much better, much better. He’s our champion. If he goes in another team, there are so many champions.
“He knows me, I know him very well and I understand when he plays so-so and I can permit to stay on the pitch. When another manager, when he plays so-so, there are so many other stars I put him on the bench.
“It’s important you give confidence. But if you put him on the bench he gets down.
“I think, I hope he can stay with us because it’s important for us and it’s important for him.”
Mahrez and Vardy were critical to Leicester’s counter attacking style last season and the dynamic winger has reminded everyone of his quality in pre-season with a stunning goal against Celtic recently.
