Riyad Mahrez ‘arrives in Barcelona’ as rumors increase

The rumors surrounding a Barcelona move for Riyad Mahrez have ramped up this afternoon after it was reported the Leicester City winger had landed at the city’s airport.

The Algerian FA confirmed earlier that Mahrez had been given permission to travel to Europe “to finalise a transfer” with reports he was heading to either Barca, Chelsea or Arsenal.

SFR Sport journalist Sara Menai has now reported he is in Barcelona, which will surely only heighten speculation he is set to join Ernesto Valverde’s side.

Sports journalist David De las Heras also tweeted a picture of Mahrez apparently in Barcelona, after he stopped for a picture with a fan who subsequently posted it on Instagram.

It’s worth pointing out that in-demand players being spotted at various locations all over the world has become something of a feature of Deadline Day, and it appears this year is no different.

There are also conflicting reports flying about with Algerian journalist Maher Mezahi reporting he had been informed Mahrez was flying to Paris. Maybe via Barcelona?

The transfer window closes in England at 11pm local time today which means the rumor mill is obviously going crazy at the moment and we can expect plenty more on this as the day progresses.