Chelsea look set to continue their raid on Leicester City after being linked with a move for Riyad Mahrez just 48 hours after completing the transfer of N’Golo Kante.
According to reports from Independent, Mahrez has rejected a new £100,000-a-week contract at Leicester and is eying an exit from the King Power Stadium.
The report also claims that new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is keen to sign Mahrez as well after seeing his exploits last season. The Algerian winger was named PFA Player of the year after an inspiring 2015/16 campaign.
Mahrez scored 17 goals and managed 11 assists to write the most incredible story ever as Leicester won the Premier League title. Despite that, Mahrez wants to force his move away from King Power Stadium.
According to reports, Arsenal, PSG, and Barcelona are also interested in signing Mahrez but no club has put forward an official bid. That is where Chelsea are confident of sealing a move for Mahrez in coming weeks.
Conte is keen to add wide players to his ranks after missing out on Joao Mario who looks set to join Inter Milan this summer. Despite a concrete approach from The Blues, Mario decided to join hands with the Serie A giants which has now turned Chelsea’s attention towards Mahrez.
Competition for places for the wide role
If signed, Mahrez will be Chelsea’s third big summer signing following Michy Batshuayi (£33m) and N’Golo Kante (£32m). One player who will also make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season is Juan Cuadrado.
Conte confirmed in his press conference earlier this week that Cuadrado will not be sold by the club this summer and will be given enough time to prove himself in Premier League.
With Cuadrado staying at the club, Willian signing a new 4-year deal along with the presence of Eden Hazard and Pedro, Chelsea will become one of the most attacking sides in the league if they end up signing Mahrez as well.
Given Conte’s playing style I expect only two or maximum 3 players from this 5-man group to get a chance in the starting XI.
Hazard may have won the PFA player of the year in 2015 and Mahrez is the reigning winner of that honor, but it will not guarantee them a starting XI role unless they perform as per the demands of the new manager.
