Mahrez: I'd consider leaving Leicester for '2 or 3 clubs'

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Riyad Mahrez has put Europe's leading clubs on high alert after admitting he'd leave Leicester City for "one or two clubs."

The Algerian winger dazzled during the relegation-tipped Foxes' unforeseen march to the 2015-16 Premier League title, and is believed to have Arsenal among a host of clubs interested in signing him for a fee in excess of £45 million.

And now Leicester's resolve could be tested following Mahrez's words to France Football.

"(The Premier League) is a super league and I would like to stay here as long as possible," the 25-year-old said, with translation from ESPN FC.

"Now, there are two or three clubs in the world, that if they come for me, it definitely makes you think, if you understand what I am trying to say."

He played down whispers of a move to Chelsea, though, after a little-known Twitter user caused a stir with pictures which appeared to show Mahrez staying in the same hotel as the Blues last week.

"It's true that, in England, they're crazy about (rumours)," he explained. "Last Sunday, after a game, we were in the same hotel as Chelsea and that was a story. They find the smallest detail to be a part of your life.

"I know how to deal with it. After all, I'm not David Beckham."

Mahrez started his Leicester career in promising fashion since his January 2014 switch from Le Havre, but, through a rugged training regime in the East Midlands and under the guidance of manager Claudio Ranieri, he has emerged as one of the most talked-about players on the planet.

With 17 goals and 11 assists over 37 top-flight appearances last term, Mahrez was voted by his fellow Premier League footballers as PFA Player of the Year. For this, praise is due to his Italian gaffer.

"He immediately took me under his wing and gave me a lot of confidence," Mahrez reflected. "And he has brought me to be more rigorous with my game. The result of that: last year, I defended like a crazy person.

"He made me understand that if one of us did not defend, we were dead. With him, I also timed better the moments where one needs to press, when one needs to peel off, things like that."

Leicester began its title defence with a sobering 2-1 reverse at Hull City, and will look to get things back on track with Saturday's visit of Arsenal.