Riyad Mahrez agrees to join Arsenal following Arsene Wenger talks

Riyad Mahrez has agreed to join Arsenal this summer after holding talks with Arsene Wenger during Leicester City's pre-season tour of the United States, according to reports in Algeria. The PFA player of the year is on the French manager's radar as he looks to bolster his attack ahead of the new campaign.

Wenger has confirmed the need for an attacker and another defender before the close of the summer transfer window and has been linked to Mahrez and Alexandre Lacazette in recent days. Claudio Ranieri is reluctant to let another key player leave after N'Golo Kante departed for Chelsea earlier in the window and is hoping that the versatile attacker will remain with the Foxes.

Wenger was spotted along with assistant manager Steve Bould at Leicester's pre-season game against Paris-Saint Germain in Los Angeles, as Arsenal were also stationed in the city as part of their tour of the United States. He admitted during an interview that he was watching the Algeria international and hinted at a potential bid, while also keeping an eye on the Foxes as they face each other in the second game of the Premier League season on 20 August.

According to Algerian publication Le Buteur, Mahrez and his representatives met the French coach to hold talks regarding a possible move and it is believed that the 17-goal attacking midfielder is keen on a switch to the Emirates Stadium. The Foxes are said to value the Algerian at around £35m ($46.3m), but will hope that the midfielder will reject the Gunners' approach and accept the new contract on offer, said to be worth around £100,000 a week.

Meanwhile, Ranieri has continued his summer transfer activity and wrapped up a move for Bartosz Kapustka from Polish club Cracovia. The 19-year-old Poland international, who made 33 appearances scoring four goals and providing nine assists last season, has agreed a five-year deal keeping him at the King Power Stadium until the summer of 2021.

"Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Poland winger Bartosz Kapustka, subject to FA, Premier League and international clearance," a statement read on Leicester's official site.