---
title: "Shock development as Arsenal drop interest in £45m Leicester City ace"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/shock-development-as-arsenal-drop-interest-in-45m-leicester-city-ace/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Gorrie"
section: "Arsenal Football Club"
published: "2016-08-05T19:55:15Z"
modified: "2016-08-05T19:55:15Z"
---

# Shock development as Arsenal drop interest in £45m Leicester City ace

**After watching his title winning exploits with Leicester City last season, the Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern had been dreaming with wide-eyed wonderment about the notion of welcoming Riyad Mahrez to the Emirates.**

The Algerian playmaker has been [strongly linked](https://goonertalk.com/2016/07/19/premier-league-rivals-to-demand-45m-for-arsenal-target/) with a [£45m](https://goonertalk.com/2016/07/19/premier-league-rivals-to-demand-45m-for-arsenal-target/) move to the Gunners, despite helping spearhead the Foxes’ incredible title win.

However, according to BBC Sport journalist [David Ornstein](https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/761237991993946112), Arsene Wenger HASN’T made a move for the 24-year old.

> [#AFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) interested in signing Valencia defender Mustafi. No bid yet + others inc [#CFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) keen. Also want a striker but not pursuing Mahrez/Draxler
>
> — David Ornstein (@David\_Ornstein) [August 4, 2016](https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/761237991993946112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

On paper, the former Le Harve man is a perfect for those in North London and thrilled the Premier League last term, scoring 17 goals and recording a further 11 assists.

Still, the notable journalist [claims](https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/761237991993946112) that the French tactician has not made a move for the star, nor World Cup winning forward Julian Draxler.

While he [claims](https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/761237991993946112) they ARE keen on a striker, Mahrez isn’t on the wish list for *Le Prof* ahead of next season.

**Can Arsenal really afford to pass on Mahrez? Surely he’d improve their frontline? Let us know below…**