The Premier League's top performer says he will stay with Leicester City until the end of the season, despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Riyad Mahrez was again instrumental as the Foxes beat Chelsea on Monday night, providing an assist for Jamie Vardy and scoring a goal to take his tally to 11 goals and seven assists in 15 Premier League matches this season.
Bought for an initial £350,000 from Le Havre in January 2014, the Algerian international has seen his value rocket this season, with a number of clubs across Europe said to be watching him.
However, Mahrez has ruled out a January move away from the King Power Stadium in an interview in France.
"[It] would be best for me to stay," the 24-year-old told RMC Sport. "I will not leave in January, it would not be good for my team if I left. If you lose an item like me or [N'Golo] Kante or Vardy, it may penalise the team.
"I prefer to continue with the team until the end of the year."
Mahrez also admitted that Leicester's small squad will mean they will struggle to keep up with the other title challengers as the season wears on. Five of their players have started every Premier League game and another four have started at least 12 of the 16 matches so far this season.
"No, we will not be," he added when asked if Leicester could be champions.
"[The squad] does not have broad enough shoulders. The other teams have bigger numbers. At one point, they'll take over."
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