Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez has been strongly linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks, but manager Claudio Ranieri is urging his star to stay put.

The Algerian, who picked up the 2015-16 PFA Player of the Year award for his scintillating performances last season, has reportedly been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Ranieri, meanwhile, insists the star remains happy at the club and that he could struggle should he leave the surrounds of the King Power Stadium.

‘Did you see how Riyad is happy? He played so well, worked so hard for the team, he scored a goal and he stays with us,’ the Italian told the Sky Sports.

‘It is very important [to keep him] he is one of our stars,’ Ranieri continued. Other teams maybe have more stars and maybe he doesn’t play at the same level, because maybe is on the bench so it is much better he stays with me.’

The Italian coach remained confident he would be able to keep hold of the talented wing.

‘I am always confident. Of course, we know that there are other teams that want to win the Premier League, we our just to defend,’ he concluded.

Mahrez scored an impressive 17 goals from 37 Premier League appearances last term.