After having an underwhelming season in the Premier League, Arsene Wenger will be looking to bring in reinforcements in the summer transfer window. Riyad Mahrez has been rumoured to be in the gaffer’s wish list for this summer. This rumour has been fueled also by the fact that Arsenal may lose Alexis Sanchez this summer who is said to demand in excess of £300,000-a-week contract to stay at the club.
The Chilean is said to have grown disillusioned by the club’s ambitions and is frustrated by the lack of silverware. Chelsea and Manchester City are said to be heavily linked with the Chilean but Wenger is reluctant to let him go to one of their direct rivals.
Riyad Mahrez hasn’t had a particularly good season and with Leicester City set to finish in the lower half of the League table, he is said to be weighing his options. Mahrez just managed 6 goals and 3 assists this season. Despite that, the 26-year-old is rated at around £30m by Leicester who amazingly helped them to the title last season.
It is also believed that a number of clubs are competing for his signature. It could perhaps set off a tug-of-war between a host of clubs with Paris Saint-Germain also interested in the services of the Algerian.
Despite not having a good season, a move to the North London outfit could rekindle his form. If Sanchez leaves, Mahrez will surely get enough playing time. Even though he primarily plays as a winger, he would probably do well playing behind the striker with two attacking midfielders.
Wenger’s three at the back system may compromise a team’s offensive prowess and to maintain that balance one needs a player who is clinical and someone who is not afraid to run at defenders and Mahrez definitely seems to have to have it in him to fill that role. If Arsenal opts to revert to a back four, then it would suit Mahrez even more.
If Sanchez leaves, Arsene Wenger knows that there aren’t many who could adequately replace the Chilean but Mahrez seems to come close and resemble the 28-year-old in some regards.
Mahrez is a proven Premier League player and when on a song, there aren’t many better wingers in the Premier League. In addition, Mahrez directly adds to the goals and assist tally which could really help Arsenal’s cause.
With Arsenal set on failing to finish in the top four, it will be really tough for Arsenal to lure him to the North London outfit without Champions League football. It also remains to be seen whether Mahrez prefers to stay in England or is open to move to any other country.
