Leicester are continuing contract negotiations with Riyad Mahrez as Claudio Ranieri renewed his belief that the PFA Player of the Year will stay at Leicester for at least one more season.
According to Daily Mail Mahrez is prepared to sign fresh terms but is holding out for a salary equitable to Jamie Vardy’s deal, in excess of £100,000 per week.
Leicester have made an offer to boost Mahrez’s current contract, which has three years left to run at £40,000 per week, but the two parties are still thrashing out the exact figures involved and there is work to do.
Ranieri insists the situation will not affect morale even if it fails to be resolved by the start of the season and though Arsenal have repeatedly been linked to a £40million move, he thinks the 25-year-old is happy to remain at the King Power Stadium.
‘It is only speculation,’ said Ranieri. ‘Riyad will stay with us. He is very happy. I see him every day and never he talked to me about something strange. I am confident with him.
‘This is experience. With the big champions there are a lot of rumours and you have to be focused on your job. This can improve my players.
‘If he wants to sign a new contract it is OK. For me it is important that this season stay with us.’
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