Riyad Mahrez didn’t get his big move in the summer, but he’s keeping his hopes alive with his recent performances.

Mahrez wanted to leave Leicester in the summer to join a bigger club, but wasn’t able to get his move. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he admitted Leicester had talked with other clubs but had blocked a move.

“I don’t know what happened,” he said. “It’s football. You never know what will happen. N’Golo (Kante) had a (buy-out) clause and when he left they stopped those clauses. They said they would never give one to anyone after that.

“They didn’t want to sell me. They said, ‘Yes, (there will be) no problem if something comes up’, but behind the scenes they were blocking stuff — talking to clubs but just not wanting to sell me.’

“But I’m confident. Contract or no contract, I believe I will get to the top. When you have quality, and show it, there’s no problem.”

Arsenal have been linked with the £27m-rated winger plenty of times, but for one reason or another, a move has yet to happen. One of those reasons could have been his form last season. Under pressure to replicate his Player of the Year form, he managed 10 goals and 7 assists.

His performance took a notable dip while Leicester were struggling, which suggested that he didn’t have the consistency to play at the top level. However, this season has seen him close in on his best form.

He has four goals and five assists in all competitions. Six of those contributions have come in his last eight matches. Mahrez is hitting form just in time for the January transfer window.

Leicester will fight hard to keep hold of him, but Mahrez isn’t doing his chances any harm with his recent performances.