Mahrez and Lacazette stalemates, Chelsea rejected

TRANSFER TALK

Mahrez and Lacazette stalemate

Riyad Mahrez wants to join Arsenal and has told Leicester City, Arsenal and his representatives. However he will not come out and publicly say so to force Leicester City's hand, it a have your cake and eat it. he wants to move but he doesn't want to upset the Leicester City fans should he be forced to stay, then you hear him saying he never wanted to leave, the usual meaningless PR in these situations.

Mahrez has no intention of signing a new contract and Arsenal have been quoted £42.72-million (€50m  - AUS$72.45m - US$55.72m) plus add-ons, which they consider too steep. Arsenal have offered the Premier League Champions £30-million (€35.07m  - AUS$50.73m - US$39.19m). Mahrez has met with Leicester City Director of Football, John Rudkin today and reiterated he wants to be playing for Arsenal next season. Arsenal have made a second offer today of £35-million (€40.92m  - AUS$59.08m - US$45.75m).

The move is at a stalemate which is frustrating for Arsenal who have the same situation with 25-year-old Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. Lyon are going to offer Lacazette a new deal, the best in the clubs history in a bid to keep him.

Napoli have rejected a £42.72-million (€50m  - AUS$72.45m - US$55.72m) offer from Chelsea for 25-year-old Senegalese centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. While Chelsea are said to remain confident of getting their man Napoli do not want to sell and have no financial need to having sold Gonzalo Higuain for £75.94-million (€90m  - AUS$130.42m - US$100.29m).