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Arsenal failed in their attempt sign one of Premier League champions Leicester City’s stars earlier in the summer, but appear to be on track to move for another. The Gunners were not able to lure England striker Jamie Vardy to the Emirates Stadium as he opted to remain with Claudio Ranieri’s men. However, the North London outfit are poised to escalate their interest in Riyad Mahrez in their bid to end their title drought after 13 seasons.
Arsene Wenger’s side face a challenge to lift the crown for the first time since 2003/04 campaign, although they are being backed at 6/1 in the latest football betting odds. Mahrez lit up the Premier League last term with his outstanding performances for the Foxes, driving them towards their maiden title. The Algerian was named the Players and Fans Player of the Year after notching 17 goals and 11 assists in the top flight. The 25-year-old proved he could handle the big occasion several times during the season, including his brilliant display in Leicester’s 3-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Mahrez has been linked with a number of teams this summer, although Ranieri has declared that he is determined to keep the winger at the club after losing N’Golo Kante to Chelsea. However, unlike Chelsea, Arsenal will be playing in the Champions League alongside the Foxes, which may make the task of convincing the Algerian to remain a tougher challenge.
The Gunners are reportedly lining up a £40m move to secure the 25-year-old’s signature to bolster their attacking options for an assault on the top flight. However, the switch for Mahrez would make the final third more crowded, with Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud occupying the three slots at present.
Wenger also has the task of accommodating Aaron Ramsey, Granit Xhaka and Jack Wilshere into the side, with Mohamed Elneny and Santi Cazorla also to consider.
Mahrez played on the wing in a 4-4-2 system for Leicester last season, and his threat mainly came from playing on the counter-attack when he was allowed freedom to roam in the final third. A switch to Arsenal would present a new challenge for the Algerian given that teams generally sit back against Wenger’s men, making space to surge forward sparse.
The 25-year-old certainly has the technical ability to shine for the Gunners in tight quarters, but his role for Leicester does give him more scope to excel, particularly as the pace of Vardy opens up room for him to create havoc with his majestic left foot. The transfer has the capacity to work for both Mahrez and Arsenal, should Wenger’s men allow the Algerian to thrive in the role in which he had so much success for Leicester last season.
However, as proven in the past with Ozil along with others, it can take time for players to adapt to the style of play that the Frenchman craves, meaning that Arsenal’s resources may well be better allocated elsewhere, given their desire for immediate success.
