Arsenal are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the January transfer window as they are in the danger of losing more than one star-player this month and will not only have to find replacements for those name but will also have to add numbers to a few, particular positions in the squad.
The manager is constantly scouting for some of the finest players in Europe at the moment but one player who remains on his radar is Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.
Arsenal desperate for Mahrez
The Algerian international is one of the best players in his role in the English league and has been a transfer target for Arsenal for more than a year now. However, they have not been able to meet the Foxes’ valuation to date.
But reports from The Sun now claim that Riyad Mahrez prefers a move to the Emirates this month. He is also wanted by rivals Liverpool, who want to replace Philippe Coutinho but it is understood that Mahrez has his heart set on a move to Arsenal. He is expected to cost no less than £50m. So should Arsene Wenger go all out for him?
Mahrez – fact file
Having helped Leicester City to their maiden league title in the 2015-16 season, when he was also named as the PFA Player of the Year, Mahrez is a left-footed winger/playmaker, who is adept at creating chances and finishing them.
He is an excellent dribbler who is hard to mark. His vision and technique allow him to find teammates in space in the final third and the system at King Power is best suited to his abilities. The Foxes love to counter at pace and as we have seen time and again, Mahrez is devastating in such situations.
He can find runners with ease but can also beat his man on the wing to find crossing positions. He is also adept at cutting in and finding the corner of the net, something he has done regularly at Leicester City. He is still 26 and is going to improve even the best of the teams in England.
Chances at Arsenal
Wenger wanted Mahrez even before both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil decided not to extend their deals with the club. The Arsenal manager sees the Algerian as a perfect fit for his system and considering Arsenal might lose the former La Liga duo, signing Mahrez all the more important.
He can walk into the first team, on the right flank in attack and even if Arsenal manage to keep hold of both their stars, Mahrez will still have a place in the starting XI.
He may not be the star player Arsenal fans are desperate for but with 34 goals and 25 assists in 125 Premier League appearances, he is an established star and one of the most, ready-made options for Arsenal in this transfer market. But do you think he is worth his price tag?
