Riyad Mahrez has no regrets over failed Arsenal move

Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez has told Canal+ he has no regrets over the collapse of a proposed summer switch to Arsenal and is not currently interested in a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Mahrez, 25, won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year as Leicester clinched the title last season, and his performances led to strong speculation over a move to Arsenal.

The Algeria international ultimately signed a new four-year contract at the King Power Stadium, though, and he said: “I was in a difficult situation.

“Of course I was going to cost a lot, Leicester wanted to keep me, there was the Champions League.

“There was contact with Arsenal, contact with other teams. At the moment of the offer, they didn’t want to enter into a conflict with Leicester. Personally, staying was a very good thing for me, too. I know the coach has confidence in me, and it’s up to me to prove myself for a second year. After that, we’ll see.”

PSG were also reported to be interested in former Le Havre player Mahrez, who was born in the suburbs of the French capital, but he played down the prospect of a return to Ligue 1.

Asked about a move to the Parc des Princes, he said: “It doesn’t really interest me, but you never know in life.”