Ranieri: Mahrez has my blessing to achieve his dreams elsewhere

Leicester City may be on the rise, but Claudio Ranieri is under no illusions.

Riyad Mahrez is a wanted man, and his suitors are amongst the very best in the world. To his credit, Ranieri is frank and honest about the situation regarding the creative gem of his side.

Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United and Man City are amongst those who have been linked to a summer swoop for the sublimely talented playmaker, and his manager won’t block a fantasy move.

“We want to keep all our players. We believe in them,” explains Ranieri. “But if a player comes to me and says, ‘Boss, I want to go there because it’s my ambition’, I’ll say, ‘Go and enjoy and have good luck’.”

The Italian is resolute in his belief that the Foxes will continue to grow and build on their success this season, but at the same time he is pragmatic about the calibre of superclub pursuing Mahrez.

“I want only players who are happy to stay here. Sooner or later we will grow as a club and be a very good team but, of course, not like Barcelona or Real Madrid.”