So tell me who is the most popular African in the Premier League right now? Yes, you are right. The 27-year-old Leicester City midfielder is on high demand in the Summer window and may leave 2015-16 season champion. According to the market news, Premier League sides like Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have shown their interests. Though no deal has got any final steps it is being anticipated that the Algerian international may fetch £60m to £80m for the Foxes. Among all the interests, Manchester City is the one who is leading the race to pick the midfielder.
If all goes right, the Leicester talisman may have his medical tests towards the end of this week. City made several bids for Mahrez in the last transfer window but Claude Puel refused to make him go. It seems that the Premier League champions are desperate for his signature, who scored 13 goals in 41 appearances in the last season.
Mahrez and Algeria team-mate Islam Slimani have not come yet back for pre-season training. The attacker has been an instrumental part of this side since his arrival at King Power Stadium. The PFA Player of the Year award winner in 2016 guided his side to win the Premier League.
The PFA award was one of the eleven awards he won that year, including three different African Footballer of the Year trophies. Though the current scenario is quite different. That form didn’t last for long. That brilliant season was something of a flash in the pan. His teammate in that Leicester golden time, N’Golo Kante have been in the limelight by moving to a bigger club and now it seems Mahrez is next.
Though he settled down quite unexpectedly after winning the Premier League, last season was something special indeed. He scored as many goals as Chelsea number 10 Eden Hazard, and in terms of his assists, the only players with better records were the four City stars Kevin De Bruyne, Leroy Sane, David Silva and Raheem Sterling. His baggage of 10 assists were same as player of the year Mohamed Salah, Christian Eriksen and Paul Pogba. Mahrez is someone who is known for his silky-smooth movements in the pitch.
He can beat defenders with a switch of feet or a burst of pace or a swivel of the hips. Mahrez is desperate to leave Leicester and this time he may get a success too. According to Leicester boss Claude Puel he is a complete player and he may try his best to keep him in his side.
He also said that when he (Mahrez) makes penetration or play simple, it’s good for him and the team too. He also said that it was a different a direct play where Jamie and Riyad they made the difference. He also added that Mahrez is able to make some penetration like one or two years ago but also he can organise the play with one or two touches and can give assists and this means he is more complete player. The deal has already been agreed and the medical is only remaining, though the Foxes are making last minute demands now.
