Mahrez ‘not thinking about’ Arsenal or Barca links

Matthew Stead

Riyad Mahrez is focusing on performing for Leicester and is ignoring rumours of interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, says his agent.

Mahrez has been the Premier League’s stand-out player of the season so far, topping the goals chart with four strikes in his opening five games, with the addition of two assists as Leicester have made an unbeaten start.

As a result, the Algerian has found himself linked with Barcelona in the Spanish press, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old forward recently.

However, Mahrez’s agent, Kamel Bengougam, has told ESPN that his client is not giving the links a second thought, and he is concentrating on maintaining his excellent form under Claudio Ranieri at the King Power Stadium.

“Riyad is very happy at Leicester and he just signed a new contract at the club last month,” Bengougam said.

“Riyad is not thinking about the rumours and is focused on his season with Leicester and wants to continue his fine form.”