According to reports in the Daily Mail, Leicester City are ready to demand more than £40m for Chelsea, Everton and AS Roma target Riyad Mahrez.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Foxes forward has been heavily linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer and the Daily Mail says that Roma have already launched a £21m bid for the Algeria international as they look for a replacement for Mohamed Salah, but they may have to double it to have any chance of signing the 26-year-old.
The report adds that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is interested in Mahrez but has reservations about the asking price, while Chelsea and Everton have also enquired about the 2016 PFA Player of the Year.
How did Mahrez do last season?
After an outstanding 2015/16 campaign to help Leicester win the Premier League title, the Algerian winger struggled to replicate the form he showed that season last time out.
The 26-year-old scored 10 goals and provided a further seven assists in 48 appearances in all competitions, although he saved the best of his form for the Champions League after netting four times and picking up two assists in nine matches.
Would he be a good signing for Everton or Chelsea?
He certainly would be.
While he seemed a little subdued at time last term, Mahrez showed the effect and influence he can have at this level by scoring 17 goals and providing a further 10 assists in 37 Premier League appearances the previous season out wide.
There is no reason to doubt that he could do this again if he moved to Goodison Park or Stamford Bridge, with both teams needing more depth and quality in wide areas ahead of the new season.
While Chelsea have little competition for Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian, Everton are still missing Yannick Bolasie because of injury and Ronald Koeman only has the likes of Kevin Mirallas, Ademola Lookman and Aaron Lennon to pick from.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, while there is no doubt that Chelsea and Everton would have an interest in Mahrez, it remains to be seen whether either club would be willing to pay more than £40m for the Algerian and they are likely to chase other targets first.
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