Arsenal are reluctant to meet Leicester City’s £50million valuation of Riyad Mahrez, according to reports.
The 26-year-old is expected to return to training with Craig Shakespeare’s side on Friday despite handing in a transfer request at the King Power Stadium.
Arsenal have held talks with the Foxes about a transfer for the Algerian winger and consider a £35million price tag more suitable for a player who endured an underwhelming campaign.
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The Gunners remain keen on Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and hold the French international as their number one target for the remainder of the transfer window.
But the Ligue 1 champions’ £80million valuation is proving to be a stumbling block, which has led Arsene Wenger to consider alternative options.