By Nathan Jacobs
Riyad Mahrez has signed a new deal at Leicester, despite strong interest from around the globe.
His new contract ties him to the Premier League champions until 2020, with no buy-out clause option.
Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona were mooted as possible destinations but the strongest links were closer to home, with Wenger’s Arsenal the favourites to secure his signature.
To intensify matters, Mahrez suggested just a couple of days ago that “two or three clubs” could entice him away from the Kingpower Stadium.
However, a quick turnaround sees the 25-year-old sign a new deal with Leicester successfully fighting off the potential suitors.
The Premier League champions have only lost one star from their title winning squad with N’golo Kante transferring to Chelsea for £32m.
The Foxes have also strengthened this summer though, signing five new players. With Champions League football to contend with this season, Ranieri has added numbers to the squad to balance rotation.
Pacey forward Ahmed Musa has joined from Cska Moscow whilst impressive winger Bartosz Kapustka has joined from Cracovia Krakow. Napalyms Mendy, Ron Robert Zieler and Luis Hernandez are the other acquisitions.
However, it is the new long term deals signed by last season’s heroes Kasper Schmeichel, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez that are might end up being the most valuable signings.
