Arsenal Transfer News: Riyad Mahrez 'Distracted' by Gunners Talk, Latest Rumours

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez is being distracted by consistent rumours about a move to Arsenal, according to concerned Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri.

The PFA Player of the Year has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium following his star showing as Leicester won the Premier League last season, and Ranieri admitted the speculation is affecting Mahrez's play in pre-season, per Spencer Morgan of MailOnline.

"Maybe Riyad is distracted a bit by all of these rumours and speculation," the Italian said. "But that is also an experience for my players. It is important that he understands that he should stay with us. He has to improve his fitness and play for the team as well last season."

The Foxes begin the defence of their Premier League title at Hull City on August 13 following their Community Shield clash with Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Having already lost N'Golo Kante to Chelsea, Ranieri will be desperate to keep hold of Mahrez, 25, for the 2016-17 campaign, especially as Leicester will be competing in the UEFA Champions League as well as the Premier League.

Per WhoScored.com, the Algerian netted 17 goals and provided 11 assists in the English top flight last term, and it is no surprise that he has drawn interest from major clubs.

Mahrez would be a huge asset at Arsenal, although they already have a number of options on the right flank, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott and the oft-overlooked Joel Campbell, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Based on his 2015-16 performances, Mahrez could be more consistently valuable than Arsenal's current personnel, and it seems clear that he has other things on his mind at the moment than just the upcoming season with Leicester.

He has not renewed his contract with the Foxes—although his current deal runs to 2019 and he has no release clause—and he looked "unsettled" as Leicester were thrashed 4-0 by Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, per ESPN FC's Ben Jacobs.

Greg Stobart of Squawka previously reported that Arsenal have no plans to sign Mahrez this summer.

But, per Jacobs, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger watched Leicester's defeat to PSG at California's StubHub Center and left as soon as Mahrez was substituted in the second half, potentially an indication that he is interested in snapping up the winger.

Either way, it seems Mahrez could well be open to a move away from the King Power Stadium and, per WhoScored's Ben McAleer, he would be a fantastic signing for Arsenal:

The Gunners came second to Leicester in last season's Premier League but did not mount a genuine title challenge and need further quality in their ranks if they are to do so in 2016-17.

Granit Xhaka's purchase is an excellent move to strengthen the midfield department, but further attacking outlets are needed, and Mahrez would add the creative quality Arsenal sometimes lack on the right flank.