Riyad Mahrez has admitted that he is planning for his future with Manchester City despite rumours linking him with Arsenal.
Reports earlier this summer suggested that alongside fellow winger Raheem Sterling, Manchester City were willing to let the Algerian leave this window as Pep Guardiola eyes a squad revamp at the Etihad Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were instantly linked with Mahrez having regularly been rumoured to be under consideration by the Gunners hierarchy - a theme that has stretched back to his Leicester City days.
Despite that, Mahrez has insisted that he is happy with the current Premier League champions and has no current desire to leave the club.
Talking in an interview with YouTube channel Oui Hustle, he said: "What if I want to go higher? I do not see what is higher [than Manchester City].
"To try another championship [elsewhere]? No. I really love England and English football is wonderful. I don't want to leave. I still have goals to pursue here.
"When you see [Pep] Guardiola wants you, it's flattering. The acclimatisation here was not easy, but our relationship today, everyone knows [it is great]."
It is certainly not the first time Mahrez has signalled his intentions to stay with City.
Talking to DZ Sport in June, the winger said: “There is nothing about my future. I am well in Manchester. I will stay God willing."
Mahrez has been with his current club since a £60m move from Leicester City in 2017.
The Algerian has not always been an undisputed starter under Pep Guardiola but has been pivotal in the club claiming two Premier League crowns.
He is fresh off the back of his most prolific season as a Manchester City player having netted 14 goals in all competitions throughout the 2020/21 campaign.
Mahrez, now 30, has two years left to run on his most recent deal with the club.
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