Welcome To Emirates – Arsenal Set To Sign High Rated EPL Striker

Now this was not expected. But then, it is the transfer window. The deadline is beckoning, and it is always characterized with twists and turns, intrigues and silly rumours.

Arsenal have been linked with a shock late-minute swoop for Algerian hotshot Riyad Mahrez, according to several reports. Sources alleged to be close to the player have claimed Arsene Wenger has added Mahrez to his wanted list and the player is being valued at £5m.

Mahrez was signed for £400,000 in 2014 by former manager of Leicester City Nigel Pearson and the winger has been in brilliant form so far this season, after scoring four goals which has helped propel Leicester to fourth on the log. His goals has put him on top of the goal scorer charts alongside Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson.

His stupendous streak of form has alerted some top clubs to his talents, and despite signing a new deal before the inception of the new campaign, the Daily Star has named Arsenal among the suitors for the forward – although Villareal and Roma are also interested. But it is thought the Gunners have an advantage as Mahrez will likely want to remain in England.

However, new manager of the Foxes Claudio Ranieri spoke during the week that those interested in Mahrez could help themselves by looking elsewhere, as the player is not for sale.

“We don’t sell him so there is no price,” the former Chelsea boss said.

“We won’t sell him so it’s much better if they [other clubs] don’t ask. I look at Riyad when we don’t have the ball, I’m trying to help him become the complete player, that’s my job.

“I want to improve him in the offensive line. He’s improving everyday, it’s important for him because he can get better. He’s young and only 24.”

The former Le Havre player is an Algeria international with 16 caps. He has also scored three goals for the North African nation.

Arsenal have so far failed in their attempts to bring in marquee forwards like Karim Benzema and Edinson Cavani, with both players snubbing them to remain at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

Wenger’s side could now make do with a player like Mahrez who is one of the in-form players in the Premier League at the moment.