Arsenal have been handed a come and get me request from Leicester City’s star man Riyad Mahrez as the race hots up for his signature.
We’re hearing this from the below Eurosport journalist, who is claiming he’s been told that Mahrez is ready to make the switch to the Gunners after weighing up his options.
Despite the intent to move, the 25-year-old is reluctant to make his feelings known publicly and is instead waiting for Arsenal to go in with an offer capable of signing him.
The update has been quoted by Get French Football News, and goes on to state that Mahrez has made his wishes clear to all parties involved, putting off any interest from rival teams.
It’s a massive step in a summer-long transfer saga that could be the drive Wenger needs to go out into the market and compete with the likes of Chelsea and both Manchester clubs.
Riyad Mahrez has told all parties, Leicester City included, that he wants to join Arsenal, according to Eurosport FR’s @Ilyesramdani1.
— Get French Football (@GFFN) August 9, 2016
Mahrez however refuses to make his desire to leave public & will not force Leicester’s hand. Like Arsenal’s Lacazette situation: stalemate.
— Get French Football (@GFFN) August 9, 2016
All hope of the Gunners getting their hands on the PFA Player of the Year looked set to crumble yesterday afternoon though, after some interesting shots were posted on Twitter.
The Algerian international was spotted checking in to the Chelsea Harbour hotel, where Antonio Conte was staying at the time which suggested we could be seeing him in blue again next season.
But, sticking with today’s reports on the winger it looks as if he’s ready and waiting for Arsene Wenger to come and get him, should the 66-year-old decide he needs him in the squad.
Any arrival that includes Mahrez will almost definitely force one of the current wingers out, so it’s a case of ensuring the team dynamic doesn’t change too much in the early weeks of the season.
You can understand Mahrez’s feelings following the ordeal that saw Jamie Vardy remain a Foxes player, unwilling to turn his back on the club that gave him a chance.
However, it looks as if a mix of regular Champions League football and the chances of gaining even more ability through a higher level of competition is what has Mahrez’s mind made up.
The only thing that could get in the way of this is Wenger’s reluctancy to pay over the odds, but in a situation like this can he really afford to miss out on a player like Mahrez?
We’ll keep you updated as this story develops, so make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook!