Would Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez improve Chelsea’s front-line?

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The Telegraph have sensationally claimed that Chelsea are monitoring the situation of Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez as a potential summer addition after the Algerian requested a move away from the King Power Stadium following a disappointing campaign in their Premier League title defence.

The 26-year-old is clearly desperate to return to Champions League football, as he enjoyed this season with the Foxes, and Arsenal are also believed to be interested in bringing the former PFA Player of the Year to London. However, with his current club demanding a fee in the region of £50 million, it could prove an obstacle for both sides.

Neither club is prepared to pay such a fee and will instead look to negotiate a lower price, but the interest of both could complicate matters, with Craig Shakespeare and co. likely to look to start a bidding war and raise the cost of signing Mahrez.

What would he bring to Stamford Bridge?

Riyad Mahrez would be an almost perfect fit at Stamford Bridge. His creativity and goal threat from the wings is exactly what Antonio Conte has looked to exploit with Pedro and Eden Hazard this season. With goals and assists in his repertoire, the addition of Mahrez would represent the kind of quality that Chelsea are looking to introduce in depth to their squad ahead of a title defence and return to Champions League football.

At his peak, Mahrez may even represent an upgrade on the Spaniard. Whilst Pedro has been in sensational form at times this campaign, his inconsistent form has seen him blow hot and cold. Rotation or competition with Mahrez could push both players on to the next level with consistently strong and threatening displays.

However, it could be argued that there are reasons to doubt the winger. With just one spectacular season under his belt, some fans may question whether his former in the 2016/17 season would have been enough to earn Chelsea’s interest. To his favour though, he would reunite with former team-mate N’Golo Kante, with the duo having been vital to Leicester’s shock Premier League victory in 2016.

Is a move likely?

In short, yes, but it will be on Leicester City’s terms. Mahrez still has three years left on his contract at the King Power Stadium and the club have made it very clear that they will only allow him to leave for the right price, as they did with N’Golo Kante last season and Jamie Vardy –  the latter of whom they did not allow to leave.

Mahrez is clearly pushing for a move and is reported to have submitted a transfer request as he seeks to return to the elite level of the game. Finances are likely to play a part in his desire to move on too, with Chelsea capable of paying much more than Leicester are likely to offer.

Antonio Conte is believed to be looking for additions on the flanks, with only Eden Hazard, Willian and Pedro available as wide forwards, but a move for Mahrez could be decided by the size of any fee that the Foxes demand for their man. The Italian is unlikely to want to splash a large chunk of his budget on one winger, with additions also wanted in the form of a centre-forward and at least one defender.