Roma are preparing to give up on signing Riyad Mahrez – unless Leicester City accept their club record £31.8million offer.
The Algerian winger handed in a transfer request earlier this summer and is determined to leave the King Power Stadium.
Roma sporting director Monchi has now publicly confirmed his side have made another move for the 26-year-old after having two bids previously rejected.
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And he praised his side’s efforts in their pursuit of making Mahrez their biggest ever signing – but says they will turn their attentions elsewhere they are rebuffed for good.
Monchi said: “I’m optimistic in life, by nature. Roma is doing everything possible to take the player.
“I am happy with the effort the club is making to take him. It is close to the limit. I do not think the club has often bid over 30m Euros.
“If my memory does not deceive me, the latest offer would be the club’s most expensive purchase in our history. We are, therefore, engaged and expect an answer.
“But it is true that we are working on other solutions.
“When we find an agreement, whether with Leicester or another company for another footballer, we will have nothing to rebuke because we are really doing everything.
“The player has expressed his will publicly, but he is right to respect his club.
“In the end all will be resolved according to Leicester’s will to accept it or not.”
Mahrez was instrumental for the Foxes as they pulled-off one of the biggest upsets in history by winning the Premier League in the 2015/16 campaign.
Despite suffering an inconsistent season last time out, Arsenal were also interested in buying him this summer.
However, they have since made Monaco’s Thomas Lemar their No1 target.
Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta was Roma’s previous record buy when they forked out £22.5m to Fiorentina in 2000.
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