Arsenal transfer news: Riyad Mahrez starts for Leicester against Celtic despite transfer rumours

Reports from France claimed that the Foxes winger had agreed to move to Arsenal

Riyad Mahrez starts for the Foxes (Getty)

Riyad Mahrez starts for Leicester City against Celtic at Parkhead, despite recent speculation suggesting the winger had agreed to move to Arsenal.

Reports from France claimed that the Algeria international had been “seduced” by Arsenal and that a £41.8m deal had been agreed between the two clubs.

The 25-year-old has been repeatedly linked with the Gunners in recent months but Saturday’s reports appeared to confirm the worst for Leicester fans.

Mahrez’s agent, however, has reportedly denied that there is any interest from Arsenal, despite his attendance at the Gunners’ 1-1 pre-season friendly draw with Lens on Friday night.

His inclusion in Leicester’s International Champions Cup fixture against Celtic will help to alleviate concerns that the PFA Player of the Year is on his way to the Emirates.

Leicester coach Claudio Ranieri was adamant in the wake of the Foxes pre-season match against Oxford United last Tuesday that Mahrez was happy at the club and would be staying.

Speaking after Leicester’s 2-1 win, Ranieri said: “I think everybody here is happy. It’s finished, the market has finished.”

Asked specifically if he had spoken to Mahrez, Ranieri said: “Yes, he wants to stay.”

Fans will hope that the winger follows Jamie Vardy’s suit and stays put at the King Power Stadium as Ranieri’s side get set to defend their Premier League title.