Current PFA Player of the Year, Riyad Mahrez, has signed a new four-year contract at Leicester City to stay at the King Power Stadium until the summer of 2020.
Amid reported interest from Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, Mahrez, one of the Foxes' key players as they lifted the Premier League title last season has committed his future to the East-Midlanders, delighting supporters in the process.
Star man
Since making the move to the King Power Stadium in January 2014 from French second-tier outfit, Le Havre, for a paltry fee of a reported £400,000, the Algerian wide-man has become a crucial cog in the Leicester City team. Dazzling opposition defenders and fans alike with his quick feet and mind-boggling skill, there's always a breath of anticipation every time the French-born winger receives the ball.
However, it wasn't until last season, when under Claudio Ranieri (when the Foxes were able to take the Premier League title), that Mahrez burst onto the scene. Netting a combined seven times in his first 18 months in the East-Midlands, the 25-year-old then took the top-flight by storm in 2015/16.
Finding the net 18 times (in all competitions) and managing to notch 11 assists in only his second full season of Premier League football, the former Quimper forward was soon earning the label as one of the most skilful players in English football.
As a matter of fact, Mahrez was also able to earn a series of personal accolades as a result of his outstanding appearances throughout the campaign. Taking home the Leicester City Player of the Year award, the Algerian Player of the Year trophy, a place in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year and also being named the PFA Players' and Fans' Player of the Year, Mahrez was more than rewarded for his frankly unbelievable season.
Focus
As was expected though, plenty of speculation instantly surrounded the 24-time capped Algeria international almost straight after he had unlaced his boots after the final game of last season.
Being linked with the likes of Antonio Conte's Chelsea, La Liga champions Barcelona and more recently, Arsenal, Foxes' fans were understandably concerned that another one of their key men was going to depart the East- Midlands (especially after seeing midfielder N'Golo Kante make the switch to Stamford Bridge only recently).
Although, with Mahrez now penning a new four-year contract to Claudio Ranieri's Leicester City, any potential rumours will surely be nipped in the bud. As a matter of fact, it will also allow the talented winger to focus on his game and hopefully supply even more eye-catching performances in royal blue.
So, after netting his first goal of the new season against Hull City on the opening weekend, fans will hope to see plenty more as the reigning Premier League champions continue to defend their title.