Arsenal Transfer News: Riyad Mahrez, Laurent Koscielny Respond to Rumours

Arsenal fans received updates on several transfer rumours on Sunday, as both Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez and Laurent Koscielny provided insights on possible moves.

The Algeria international told reporters he's yet to receive a concrete offer from the Gunners, but he's honoured manager Arsene Wenger speaks highly of him, per the London Evening Standard's James Benge:

"It's an honour to receive compliments like this from such a big manager [Wenger] in world football.

"But there's a big difference between an offer and speculation, so there is nothing on the table at the moment."

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He also said the Foxes have told him he would be allowed to leave this summer:

"The chairman and I agreed that I would stay another year at the club and that he would let me leave at the end of the season.

"I think it would be the right time for me to leave, I have experienced everything at this football club."

Mahrez won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award at the end of the 2015-16 season, a just reward after he played a crucial role in Leicester's improbable run to the Premier League title.

He stuck with the club as they geared up for an adventure in the UEFA Champions League, but the Foxes came crashing back down to Earth the past season, and his value shrunk as a result.

The 26-year-old remains a special talent, capable of being a difference-maker from the wing or even in a central role. As shared by Sky Football, Wenger hasn't made a secret of his admiration for the player:

A move to the Emirates Stadium seems likely this summer, as long as the Gunners are willing to meet Leicester's valuation.

Elsewhere, Koscielny didn't rule out a move to Marseille after he was asked about the Ligue 1 club's reported interest in his services.

Per Telefoot (h/t Omnisport, for BeIN Sports), he said:

"I have a contract with Arsenal, I even signed an extension last November until [June] 2020. I feel very good there.

"I have always said that I was a Marseille fan when I was younger. When a mythical club like Marseille contact you, it is good.

"But will I sign for them? I have no idea at all."

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Marseille have been ambitious on the transfer front in the last 12 months, signing Dimitri Payet and Patrice Evra. The French club is determined to return to the summit of their league, but the defence remains a work in progress.

Koscielny has been just about an automatic starter when healthy for Arsenal for years and appeared in 33 Premier League matches this season. Losing him would be a blow, even if the Gunners are expected to invest in the position.

It would likely take a serious offer for Wenger to even consider selling, but Marseille have shown remarkable persistence in the market, evidenced by their successful chase of Payet in January.