The Algerian media are convinced that Riyad Mahrez, who reportedly still wants a move away from Leicester, will sign for either Arsenal or Manchester City in January.

According to Algerian outlet Le Buteur, wantaway winger Riyad Mahrez will only logically go to either Arsenal or City in January, despite Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Roma and Tottenham Hotspur all apparently showing an interest.

The 26-year-old was reportedly close to a move to Roma during the summer. However, the Serie A club only offered just over £33m and Leicester wanted more. This is allegedly the reason why the Gunners dropped their initial interest and went after Monaco’s Thomas Lemar instead. Even if the 22-year-old would turn out to be more expensive later on.

Now though, as the outlet continues, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are ‘likely’ to leave, which means that Arsenal will be prepared to spend a decent chunk of cash on a new forward.

Manchester City may also need to strengthen in this position, especially if they don’t end up signing Alexis, so that’s why they’re the other logical destination for Mahrez.

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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur at The King Power Stadium on November 28, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and United don’t need to sign any more forwards.

What’s more, the Gunners and City will be able to afford Mahrez’s considerable wages, which are said to be £100k-per-week. This rules out Spurs, whose top player Harry Kane only just earns that amount.

Roma could return, the report points out, but Leicester apparently want £35m and the Italian giants might also be reluctant to meet his wage demands as well.

Are Arsenal keen? I think it’s much more likely that we’ll return for Lemar over Mahrez.

So far this season, the Algeria international has made 15 Premier League appearances, scoring three and assisting five.