Arsenal: Mahrez latest; interest in Inter midfielder; Mertesacker holds concerns

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As ever with transfer stories, a series of conflicting reports surround Arsenal’s proposed move for Leicester City wide man Riyad Mahrez.

Reports from France last week suggested that things were moving quite rapidly towards Mahrez moving to the Emirates, but a sense of realism has since descended.

Mahrez’s agent, Kamel Bengougam attended Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Lens on Friday night, but has since denied that a formal offer has been made.

However, well regarded L’Equipe journalist Bilel Ghazi confirmed the reliability of the original Eurosport France reports and said that things were ‘heading in the direction’ of Mahrez to Arsenal.

So it seems there is a pretty firm interest, even if there is yet to be official contact between Arsenal and Leicester over a transfer fee.

Having had their trousers pulled down by Jamie Vardy, it is hardly surprising that Arsenal should try to ascertain whether the player is interested in a move before launching a bid.

All in all, this story looks to have legs and it would be a shock if Arsenal were not to pursue Mahrez as fully as possible.

It is worth noting that Arsene Wenger was vocal in his praise of N’Golo Kanté and Jamie Vardy last season, but didn’t say a great deal about Mahrez. Perhaps a sign that wanted to keep his interest under wraps.

Elsewhere, Gazzetta dello Sport Arsenal have approached Inter with a view to lower their valuation of Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.

Arsene Wenger is on record saying that Arsenal have plenty of options in midfield, and that any more signings will be in attack or in defence.

With Liverpool purportedly interested, this story could be an attempt by the player’s representatives to make the Reds show a bit more haste in their bid for him.

Although Arsenal fans will have been cheered up by Arsene Wenger’s comments that he remained ‘very active’ in the transfer market, Per Mertesacker’s comments this weekend were rather more circumspect.

Mertesacker said: “A lot of transfer business has already been done and it won’t be easy for us this time, especially with all the signings going to the other clubs.

“So we also need to be stronger and I am looking forward to seeing how well we compete for the title with not a lot of signings and a lot of young players.”

Mertesacker is set to be named the club’s new club captain, and perhaps these words are an effort to pressurize his superiors into further signings.

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