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Riyad Mahrez admits he could leave Leicester but only for 'two or three clubs'

HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Lei
Image: Riyad Mahrez has been reportedly linked with a move away from Leicester this summer

Riyad Mahrez has admitted he could leave Leicester if "two or three" of the world's leading clubs come calling.

The 25-year-old winger was voted the 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year after playing a major role in Leicester's memorable Premier League title-winning campaign.

He has since been reportedly linked with a move to Arsenal, but contrary to reports in France, Sky sources understand the Gunners have not made a £30m offer for him.

Reports in the national press have also linked Real Madrid and Barcelona with moves for Mahrez and the Algeria international concedes he could be tempted by a move away from the King Power Stadium.

HULL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City scores his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Leicester City
Image: Mahrez scored from the penalty spot in Leicester's opening day defeat at Hull

"When there is a Brazilian who is lighting things up, he is at Real Madrid before you know it! For us, it is a little harder, we have to do more," Mahrez told France Football.

"It (the Premier League) is a super league and I would like to stay here as long as possible. But 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."

Match In A Minute: Hull 2-1 Foxes
Match In A Minute: Hull 2-1 Foxes

Tony Cottee recaps Hull City's opening-day victory over defending champions Leicester

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri insisted last week there had been no approaches for Mahrez and expected his star man to remain with the club.

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The Italian has previously warned Mahrez he risks ending up on the bench if he decides to leave Leicester before the close of the summer transfer.

Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City takes the ball away from David Meyler of Hull City during the Premier League match
Image: Mahrez feels it will be impossible for Leicester to retain their Premier League title

Mahrez started, and scored, in Leicester's opening match of the season on Saturday as they begun the defence of their Premier League title with a 2-1 defeat away at newly-promoted Hull.

Following the loss at the KCOM Stadium, Mahrez admitted Leicester face a near impossible task of retaining their league crown.

"We know that Leicester will not win the league again. We are not Manchester United or Chelsea," he said.

Ranieri: We must beat the drop
Ranieri: We must beat the drop

Claudio Ranieri avoiding relegation is Leicester's main aim this season

"But success would look like becoming part of the cohort of solid clubs in the Premier League, consistently.

"You are always having to prove yourself. Now, people are expecting things from us. And we'll have to respond because nobody will do us any favours."

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