Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante could be stolen away from Leicester City according to Paul Merson

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Leicester City are unlikely to retain their best players this summer. The Foxes' title-winning squad could be unpicked over the coming window, with the likes of Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante among names that might be headed for the exit door, according to Merson.

The midfield duo have been key to Leicester's success this season, with Mahrez named Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association last month. Merson said that while Leicester should be able to retain top scorer Jamie Vardy, Mahrez and Kante are much more likely to depart.

"I worry Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante could leave," Merson told Sky Sports amid rumours linking Kante to Manchester United and Mahrez to Barcelona. "I don't see a problem with Jamie Vardy, as I don't think anyone will pay a lot of money for him at 29 years old, but the other two stars are a worry.

"Kante will be at the Euros and his France teammates will be going: 'Oh, my manager wants you'. That's how it works and he's going to have his head twisted. I'd be shocked if those two were there next season."

Meanwhile, Merson thinks Leicester are likely to have already identified their own transfer targets for this summer, although he doubts they will compete with the likes of United for top names.

"I don't know who they can bring in," the former Arsenal hero explained. "They're going to have to use all of [Claudio] Ranieri's experience bringing in players that other people don't know about and aren't going for.

"They aren't going to get a player that Manchester City and Manchester United are trying to sign, even though they're champions. I think their business will be done very quietly and very quickly, they won't mess about. They're probably doing it right now as we speak, that's how they'll have to work, there's no doubt about it."