Spurs to battle rivals Arsenal for Leicester star Mahrez

Arsenal are set to compete with rivals Spurs for Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez in January, a report claims.

The Daily Mirror reports that both North London clubs will battle for the Algerian, who wanted to leave the Foxes.

However, Leicester refused to sell their key man to the Gunners in the summer, and now Tottenham are monitoring the situation.

Both clubs are willing to pay the £30million asking price, with Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare reportedly willing to sell the 26-year-old to generate funds for investment elsewhere.

Barcelona were also interested in signing Mahrez, while Serie A club Roma were also heavily linked with a move.

Mahrez was rumoured to have had his heart set on a move to the Nou Camp, but wasn’t willing to wait around for the Catalan club.

Meanwhile, the former Le Havre man was also reportedly close to a move to Manchester United on deadline day.