Report: Riyad Mahrez to join Arsenal in £45m deal

Riyad Mahrez misses a penalty during Leicester City's game with Bournemouth on January 2, 2016
© Getty Images
PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez will swap Leicester City for Arsenal in a deal worth up to £45m, according to a report.

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has reportedly decided to join Arsenal and will look to push through a move in the coming days.

The Algeria international, voted as PFA Player of the Year following a stellar campaign last time out for the champions, was expected to stay at the King Power Stadium for at least another year.

Manager Claudio Ranieri declared earlier this week that one of his star performers from last term's title-winning campaign was happy to remain at the club but, according to a report in The Sun, Mahrez is keen to join Arsenal.

It is understood that Ranieri will not stand in the 25-year-old's way should he indeed decide to leave the East Midlands, and will instead quickly look to bring in a replacement with the rumoured £45m windfall.

Mahrez joined Leicester from French outfit Le Havre for just £400,000 in January 2014.

Claudio Ranieri celebrates at the end of the Premier League game between Watford and Leicester City on March 5, 2016
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5Crystal Palace00000000
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7Hull City00000000
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