Leicester City's Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez revealed that Arsenal has tried to sign him last summer, but the Premier League champions refused to sell him.

Mahrez was instrumental in Leicester's triumphant campaign last season, helping them win the Premier League title after scoring 17 goals.

"There was contact with Arsenal," Mahrez was quoted as saying by Sky Sports on Monday.

"But Leicester wanted to keep me and I was pretty expensive."

"I did not want to create a conflict when the offer came in," he explained.

At the end, the 25-year-old put a stop to all speculations surrounding his future with Claudio Ranieri's side after signing a new deal in August, tying him to the club until 2020.

Mahrez, who was named Premier League player of the year last season, has been struggling this season in the Premier League, scoring once in seven appearances.

But the Algerian international said he is determined to regain his form and to prove himself again.

"Personally, I think it is a good thing I stayed put," Mahrez said.

"It's now up to me to prove myself again."

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