Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that Arsenal tried to sign him during the summer transfer window.
The Algerian international was regularly in the transfer gossip pages after helping the Foxes lift a historic Premier League title in May.
Arsenal were heavily linked with the playmaker's signature following their failed pursuit of his teammate Jamie Vardy.
Like Vardy, Mahrez rejected the North London club's advances and signed a new long-term deal at the King Power Stadium.
"There was contact with Arsenal, but Leicester wanted to keep me and I was pretty expensive. I did not want to create a conflict when the offer came in," Mahrez told Canal Football Club.
"Personally, I think it is a good thing I stayed put. It's now up to me to prove myself again."
Mahrez has scored three goals in 10 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
