Chelsea are reportedly looking at the possibility of signing Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, just a day after completing a move for N’Golo Kante.
As feared by many Foxes supporters, it appears as though their Premier League title-winning squad could lose some key figures this summer, with Kante the first high-profile player to make an exit.
Mahrez could now follow, and it remains to be seen whether or not it has a knock-on effect that sees others make a similar decision and continue their careers elsewhere.
According to The Express, Mahrez is on the verge of rejecting a new contract offer from Leicester, and in turn that has alerted several clubs around Europe about his availability this summer.
Despite the fact that Claudio Ranieri remains confident that the 25-year-old will remain at the King Power Stadium, it remains to be seen how the situation changes should Chelsea make a concrete offer and tempt the Algerian international into a move to Stamford Bridge.
Having played an influential role in Leicester’s success last year, it would certainly be a shame to see Mahrez leave, but ultimately he will have to prioritise choosing the club that offers him the best chance at success along with the financial factors.
While Jamie Vardy appears set to remain a focal point of Ranieri’s plans heading into next season, the Italian tactician may have some more reshuffling to do this summer should he be forced to delve into the transfer market again.
As for Chelsea, they will have ambitious plans under Antonio Conte next season, and having secured a deal for Kante who will form a pivotal part of his midfield, it seems as though the former Juventus and Italy boss wants more creativity and clinical play in the final third courtesy of Mahrez.