The Algerian was an instrumental part of the remarkable Foxes squad which won the Premier League title in 2016.

It was rumours that all of Leicester’s key players would then move on to one of the traditional ‘top four’ clubs.

N’Golo Kante started the process as he moved to Chelsea for £30million - where he went on to win the title again the following season.

Jamie Vardy was also rumoured to leave, as was Mahrez, who has revealed just how close he came to joining the Gunners.

The 26-year-old admitted that he was “50-50” about moving to north London as a potential replacement for Alexis Sanchez.

The attacker says he had a meeting with Arsenal’s chief transfer negotiator Dick Law but a move failed to materialise.

"I don't know what happened,” he told the Daily Mail.

“It's football. You never know what will happen.

“N'Golo had a clause and when he left they stopped those clauses.

“They said they would never give one to anyone after that.

“They didn't want to sell me. They said, "Yes, (there will be) no problem if something comes up.

“But behind the scenes they were blocking stuff — talking to clubs but just not wanting to sell me."

Although he did not leave in 2016, Mahrez did hand in a transfer request this summer but only Roma made a formal offer so he decided to stay in the midlands.

But Mahrez does admit that he harbours ambitions to play at the top and challenge for silverware - so a potential exit could still soon be on the cards.

“I’m confident, contract or no contract, I believe I will get to the top,” he added.

“When you have quality, and show it, there's no problem.”