Riyad Mahrez: Algerian confirms Arsenal summer interest but suggests he was too expensive to sign

The Foxes winger added that he did not attempt to force through a move

The Algerian winger has struggled to regain the form that saw him crowned PFA Player of the Year last season (Getty)

Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that Arsenal tried to sign him last summer – but suggested that he may have been too expensive for the Gunners.

The Algerian added that he did not attempt to force the move through, stating he did not want to create “conflict” at Leicester.

The winger enjoyed a stellar season with the Foxes last year, scoring 17 league goals for the club. Mahrez’s achievements were recognised across the league and the player went on to receive the PFA Player of the Year award.

As a result, Mahrez was subject to wide interest from a number of top clubs.

Arsene Wenger was known to be monitoring Mahrez over the summer and, speaking to Canal Football Club, the 25-year-old confirmed that he was approached by the club.

“There was contact with Arsenal,” he admitted.

But Mahrez suggested that the Gunners may have struggled to sign him.

“Leicester wanted to keep me and I was pretty expensive,” he said.

“I did not want to create a conflict when the offer came in.”

Despite Arsenal’s interest, the winger went on to sign a new contract worth with the Foxes, tying him to the club until 2020.

Although Leicester have struggled to find their form in the new season, the winger insisted that he has no regrets in committing his future to the Premier League champions.

"Personally, I think it is a good thing I stayed put," Mahrez added.

"It's now up to me to prove myself again."