- Arsenal tried to sign Riyad Mahrez in the summer of 2016, the Leicester City star has revealed
- The Algeria international says he is unsure over why the transfer ended up breaking down
- Arsenal could still do with attacking players like Mahrez to replace contract rebel Alexis Sanchez
- READ MORE: (Video) Mahrez scores incredible free-kick for Leicester City
Arsenal have apparently not tried to seal the transfer of Riyad Mahrez since the summer of 2016, according to claims made by the Leicester City star in an interview.
The Algerian winger has been a joy to watch in the Premier League in recent times, and won PFA Player of the Year for the 2015/16 campaign after his 17 league goals helped fire Leicester to a shock title victory.
With skill, pace, creativity and an eye for goal, it’s little wonder clubs like Arsenal were interested in Mahrez, but what is surprising is that they haven’t since followed that interest up.
The Gunners look in dire need of quality in attack amid reports from the Daily Mirror that Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are battling it out to sign contract rebel Alexis Sanchez, who can leave for free at the end of the season.
The Daily Star claim Arsenal now look to have focused their efforts on signing Lyon attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir, but Mahrez is another who could’ve been a great addition.
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Still, the 26-year-old admits he is unsure why the move broke down, telling the Daily Mail: ‘I don’t know what happened,’ he shrugs. ‘It’s football. You never know what will happen.’
The report adds that Mahrez says he held talks with Arsenal in the summer of 2016 and that he was ’50-50′ over leaving Leicester, with that being the closest he’s come to quitting the King Power Stadium.
If Mahrez can get back to his best this season, Arsenal would certainly do well to consider him again as they more than likely face the task of replacing Sanchez up front.