According to a report by The SUN, who themselves are citing reports from France, Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez has accepted an offer from Arsenal and will be joining the Gunners should the Gunners and the Foxes be able to reach an agreement on a transfer fee. The highly-rated Algerian has constantly been linked with moves to Arsenal since April and, a few days ago, the rumours intensified as news emerged that he will not be signing a new contract with Leicester City.
The 26-year-old was the PFA player of the year last season scoring 17 goals and creating 11 assists, as he helped Leicester City to a shock Premier League title ahead of Arsenal who finished 10 points behind. To put things in perspective, Theo Walcott scored six league goals, while Riyad Mahrez scored 17.
Chelsea, PSG and Manchester United have also been linked with the signing of the Algerian. But now that he has ruled out a return back to France, it is safe to assume Arsenal's main competitors for his signature are Chelsea and Manchester United. However, in my opinion, while Chelsea do not really need Mahrez, Manchester United do.
The Red Devils are, however, seemingly more focused on signing Paul Pogba. This means Arsenal can move quickly to get the deal done. And if the reports from France are true, Arsenal have a massive advantage. Once a player agrees personal terms with a club it means he is happy with the offer. Although he could still reject Arsenal if another offer is received, in Mahrez's case, it appears Arsenal have worked their magic charm well.
Should he join Arsenal, which to be fair is very likely, he will be expected to take Walcott's place on the right wing or deputise for Mesut Ozil, whenever Wenger feels the need to rest the German. Which Arsenal fan wouldn't take Mahrez ahead of Theo Walcott? I doubt there are many of them.
Imagine if last season we had Mahrez with his 17 goals and 11 assists? We probably would have won the league. I have said it on this blog before and will say it again, if Walcott had scored more than the six goals he scored last season, Arsenal would have won the league.
Giroud scored 16 goals, and Sanchez managed 13 goals last season,. Meanwhile, Walcott scored 6. Imagine if it was 17 and not six. For me, Walcott is not good enough for Arsenal and should be sold. He is already 27, and we have waited and waited since he was 17. It is time to be ruthless and get rid of him.
It's Mahrez over Walcott for me any day of the week.
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