Tottenham have now decided to jump in on the ‘battle’ for Riyad Mahrez, which Arsenal are reportedly already involved in.

  • Arsenal linked with Mahrez last summer
  • 26-year-old signed new deal with Leicester but won’t rule out move this year
  • Tottenham also linked
  • Player said to want Champions League football

Arsenal were linked with Mahrez last summer but given Leicester’s miraculous title win, the Algeria international chose to stay and even signed a new deal.

Fast forward a year and Leicester are set to finish in mid-table, while Mahrez leaves the door open to moving over the next couple of months.

Of course, Arsenal were always going to be the first team linked with the 26-year-old, whether they actually want to sign him or not, and now Tottenham have also reportedly shown an interest in the winger.

Unusually, however, Spurs actually have an advantage over Arsenal when it comes to securing Mahrez’s signature: Champions League football.

According to the Daily Star, playing in Europe’s biggest tournament next season is rather important to the Leicester star, and, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side can offer that, he will most likely want to move there if he’s given the choice.

Arsenal face Everton on the last day of the season, sitting just one point behind Liverpool in fourth.

The Gunners need Middlesbrough to take points off Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield if they’re going to have any hope of finishing in the top four.

Otherwise, Arsenal won’t have Champions League football next season.