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26-year-old concerned huge price-tag will scare off Tottenham - report
By Harvey Byrne
Attacker Riyad Mahrez is concerned that the huge £40million price-tag placed on him by current club Leicester will put off Tottenham and Arsenal, according to a report.
The Sun claims that the 26-year-old wants the 2016 Premier League champions to lower his huge valuation as he looks to move away from the Foxes.
The 2015-16 Premier League Player of the Year has requested to leave the Midlands club in a search for Champions League football, but that hasn’t stopped the side from placing the eight-figure fee on their star player after obtaining him for just £560,000 in January 2014.
It is detailed that Arsene Wenger will make an attempt to persuade the Algeria international to join them in the Europa League next season while he tries to build a team capable of making it back to the top of the Premier League with the backing of owner Stan Kroenke.
Meanwhile, fierce north London rivals Tottenham are said to be “long-term admirers” of the attacking star and it is said they “will be in the race to sign Mahrez.”
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However, it is understood his first priority will be holding talks with the Leciester board in an attempt to get to reduce their asking price.
Tottenham’s current record transfer stands with the signings of Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko, who both joined for £30million respectively.
Football Insider verdict:
For £30million or above Tottenham should avoid signing Mahrez. Yes, the Algerian was a standout star for Leicester when they won the Premier League, but so was Jamie Vardy and neither have been able to replicate their title winning form in the most recent campaign. There are still doubts that Mahrez could be a one season wonder and after Spurs splashed out a huge £30million on Sissoko they should definitely avoid any more mega offers for players who are not yet proven, especially in the Premier League, which is what Mauricio Pochettino will be aiming to win next season.
In other Tottenham transfer news, Spurs have made a £3.4million offer for 22-year-old.
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