Claudio Ranieri said he had often talked with Riyad Mahrez lately, begged him not to go from Leicester City and Arsenal to accept the proposal. 25-year-old player, who last season won the Premier League with The Foxes and get the best PFA player award, was on the radar of the Gunners - who is looking for a new striker figure. But Ranieri insisted on retaining the original penggawa Algeria, which plays a vital role in the success of his team last season. "I often talk to him and I said 'stay with us, it would be much better for your future'," said Ranieri, according to Sky Sports. "I think he is a smart man, in the end I'm sure he will stay with us." Arsenal had previously tried to pull Jamie Vardy from Leicester City, but they failed because the player has chosen to extend the contract at the club. (Sky / rer)