Arsenal target may be forced to stay put as club stick to £50million asking price

Arsenal has once again been handed a major blow in their pursuit of Riyad Mahrez as the forward is facing the possibility of remaining at Leicester City, as the Foxes stick to their £50million asking price.

The African’s future at the King Power Stadium remains uncertain ahead of the close of the summer transfer window on August 31, with Serie A giants AS Roma believed to have deserted their interest in him, after having three offers turned down.

AS Roma are now considering other transfer targets and it now looks increasingly likely that the Algerian, who has submitted a transfer request, will remain at the club as suitors are reluctant to pay the asking price.

The former Premier League Champions are insistent that no bid under £50million will be considered for the winger, who is a former PFA Player of the Year with three seasons remaining on his current £110,000 weekly deal.

Leicester City are also willing to demand a huge fee for England midfielder Danny Drinkwater, who is a transfer target for Chelsea.

An initial offer of £15million was rejected earlier this summer, and the Blues are willing to submit an improved bid, but it is thought that Leicester City will increase the price above £30million.

Drinkwater only signed a new five-year contract worth about £90,000 weekly last summer.