Tottenham to battle Arsenal for £30million-rated Leicester star Riyad Mahrez in January
Algerian winger was close to a move to the Gunners last summer but Craig Shakespeare is now ready to let him go
TOTTENHAM are reportedly set to battle bitter rivals Arsenal for Leicester star Riyad Mahrez in January.
Mahrez wanted to leave the King Power Stadium in the summer but the Foxes refused to sell to the Gunners.
But the report that Spurs are now in the hunt for the Algerian winger.
Foxes boss Craig Shakespeare is said to be ready to let Mahrez go to make some funds to spend on strengthening his team.
Both North London clubs are said to be ready to pounce with £30million the estimated price.
Arsene Wenger is known to be a big admirer of the winger and is plotting a swoop for the 26-year-old this summer.
Barcelona were also interested in signing the Foxes star while Roma have also been heavily linked.
Mahrez was believed to have his heart set on a switch to the Catalans – but was not prepared to wait around for them to make an offer.
Barca are believed to have a number of players who are “higher priority” than the attacker – including Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho.
Mahrez was also reportedly close to a move to Manchester United on deadline day.
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But Leicester didn’t receive any bids for the former Premier League Player of the Year, instead selling Danny Drinkwater to Chelsea for £35million.
The only club to bid for Mahrez over the summer was Roma, who offered £31m at one stage.
However, the Foxes rejected the figure and demanded an eye-watering £50m for their key man.
