Riyad Mahrez has revealed that he was on the verge of joining Arsenal in 2016 but Leicester City blocked a transfer, which he believes cost him two years of his career.
The Foxes' remarkable title-winning success attracted the eyes of the Premier League's elite in the summer after their triumph and Arsene Wenger was keen on bringing Algeria international Mahrez to the Emirates Stadium.
Jamie Vardy was also linked with a move to north London that summer and Mahrez has now revealed just how close he was to wearing the famous red and white jersey.
However, Leicester frustrated Mahrez by blocking a transfer to join Arsenal though and he believes the decision cost him two years of his career at the highest level.
"After the title, if I'd left for a top team, it wouldn't have been the same story," he told France Football.
"For me, it's clear that I lost two years at the highest level. I lost two years! Because instead of arriving at City at 27, I could have been there at 24, 25.
"Leicester blocked me. They told me: 'You're not leaving, you're not leaving'. My agent had spoken to Wenger who really wanted me. It was nearly all done with Arsenal in 2016. I was really frustrated.
"It wasn't easy to go from being the best player in the Premier League to being a part of a team fighting against relegation. It's not the same job. Everyone is waiting for you around the corner."
