Everton set to challenge Roma in the chase for Riyad Mahrez
By Paul Taylor
Everton are reportedly interested in signing Riyad Mahrez, but how realistic is it to expect the 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year to move to Merseyside?
We’ve pretty much already established it’s crazy season in the Premier League, thanks to the current transfer window. And no team has been more involved in this hectic period of signings and constant speculation, than Everton.
Of course, this is not meant to be a criticism in any way. It must be extremely refreshing for Evertonians to find their club so relevant again, harking back to the last glory period of the 1980s.
Regardless, it doesn’t change the perspective that this has been a crazy period in recent weeks for Everton and everyone concerned with them. In that respect, let’s bring some more, almost surreal, speculation into the equation.
Apparently, the Blues are set to throw their hat into the ring for Riyad Mahrez. At least that’s the case according to the Daily Mail.
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As reported by the Mail‘s Simon Jones, Everton are interested in signing Mahrez. However, they are facing a lot of competition for his services.
Chief among the competition are Roma, who have already had an offer of £29 million rejected. Leicester City are understood to be holding out for at least £40 million for the 26-year-old.
Other teams interested, include Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. In truth, it’s understandable why Mahrez is receiving so much interest.
The winger has built up quite an impressive resume in recent seasons, including helping Leicester to their shock Premier League title in 2016. This led to him being named 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year.
On the back of this success, Mahrez signed a new four-year contract with Leicester in August 2016. However, he recently informed the Foxes he now wants to leave.
In theory, Leicester are operating from a position of strength, even going as far as to warn him he will be frozen out if he does not behave professionally. Regardless, we sadly know how much player power there is in the game today – if he wants to leave, you know this is going to happen sooner rather than later.
With all this in mind, you can appreciate why Everton are keen to sign Mahrez. He’s extremely talented, ambitious and would provide an immediate upgrade in the blue half of Merseyside.
Whether the Algerian international actually ends up joining Everton is another matter altogether. For now though, they will at least be linked to him, as the crazy season continues with abandon in the world of professional football.
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While Everton are right to consider a bid for Mahrez, how realistic is their ambition? How likely is it for the winger to choose a move to the Blues, especially considering the interest from the likes of Roma, Chelsea and Arsenal? Share your thoughts in the comments section.