Leicester appear to be less than impressed with Riyad Mahrez’s push for a move to Arsenal and could even drop the winger if he doesn’t show full commitment to the Foxes next season.
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Leicester manager, Craig Shakespeare, is ‘disappointed’ in Mahrez’s ‘little mood swing’ but claims that no bids have been made for the wantaway 26-year-old yet. He also insists that Mahrez has to be professional because he still has a contract with the Foxes until 2020.
“It can be disappointing when players go public with it but I think you have to understand the modern game,” Shakespeare said.
“Sometimes outside influences are secondary behind that and there can be reasons for that. Him coming out, we know where it stands, but ultimately he’s contracted to the football club.
“He has to be professional. We have to be professional with him. But more importantly he has to be committed and I think he has to show supporters, staff and players that.
“If he’s selected, he has to perform and, if he doesn’t show commitment, he won’t play. He’s got a contract with us, so he has to understand that.”
He continued, “We haven’t had any bids and, if we don’t have one, we’ve got no decision to make. Knowing him as I do, I think with Riyad he was just trying to be as honest as he can [with his statement].
“Of course it can disappoint the fans but I need to really sit down with him one-to-one and see where he’s at in his head and how he feels. I’ve always had a decent relationship with him.
“But if players want to go, ultimately they have contracts and they have to honour them. If they want to go and we get a bid, we’ll reflect on it.”
Mahrez has allegedly been left ‘fuming’ after Leicester hiked his transfer fee from £35m to £50m in a matter of days when it became apparent how serious Arsenal were about signing him.
As a result, the Gunners have turned their attention back to Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and are said to be ready to make a £40m bid for the 21-year-old.
Mahrez is now annoyed that his current club have essentially priced the team he wanted to sign for out of the running and he could be stuck.