Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that Bristol City 'matched' their asking price for Anis Mehmeti and that Wycombe would not have 'stood in his way'.

The 22-year-old, who has been one of the Chairboys’ best players this campaign, has left the Adams Park side for the West Country outfit in a club-record deal.

Whilst the figure has not been disclosed to the public, it is expected that the Robins paid Wanderers a fee believed to be in the low millions (between £1m and £5m).

Speaking on the Albanian’s exit, Ainsworth said: “It’s a bittersweet day for us, losing an influential player from the team, and a fantastic young lad from our club.

READ MORE: Anis Mehmeti leaves Wycombe Wanderers to join Bristol City for a club record fee

"It’s also a moment of real pride for everyone involved in Anis’s development at Wycombe Wanderers.

“Rob and Pete Couhig backed us to launch this development squad programme and invest in bringing players like Anis to the club – players with raw talent and the potential to go on to make a success of themselves in the game.

“The team here deserve all the plaudits for nurturing his ability and taking this player from non-league to becoming this club’s record transfer.

“We didn’t want to lose him, but Bristol City have matched his asking price and we can’t stand in his way.

“For us at Wycombe, we’ve been here before, seeing important players progress on to other clubs, and we will continue to keep building this squad in the best way possible to bring us success.”

READ MORE: Update is provided over Alfie Mawson and Max Stryjek's future at Wycombe Wanderers

Speaking on his move to the West Country, Mehmeti said: “I’m buzzing to be here.

“It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to get started.  

“I want to win and I want to get promoted. 

“This is a club with Premier League stature, and I want to impose my mentality and worth ethic and have an influence straight away.

“I’m a creative player, I like to make things happen, score goals and most importantly I want to win.”

Mehmeti scored nine goals in 30 matches for Wycombe this season, which included five in his first 11 appearances this season.