Arsene Wenger’s response to a question on whether Arsenal had submitted an offer for Riyad Mahrez strongly hinted that Arsenal’s interest in the Leicester star remains as strong as ever.
Leicester suffered a humbling defeat to French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the ongoing International Champions Cup in Los Angles, in which Mahrez played 65 minutes but didn’t have any noteworthy contribution to the game.
When questioned on whether Arsenal were planning on swooping for the PFA Player of the Year, Wenger said,
"Yes of course, we watch all the players but we play Leicester in the second game of the championship so it's a good opportunity for us to see them."
Also read: What Riyad Mahrez would add to Arsenal if he arrives
When Wenger was asked to clarify his answer on the Algerian International he added,
"I cannot give you a 'yes' or 'no' because we do not publicise our transfer interest and the best way to make things happen is to keep it as secret as possible."
If Mahrez were to join the London club, they could form a frightening trident of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Mahrez although the Gunners fans would still be keen on another quality option at center forward besides Olivier Giroud.
Leicester City would also be immensely determined to keep Mahrez at the club after Kante’s departure to Chelsea. Claudio Ranieri won’t be too thrilled in letting another of his star players join a direct rival as they will look to defend the Premier League crown they won after defying the odds so magnificently last season.
Arsenal meanwhile, are believed to also be on the market for a central defender, after their German International Per Mertesacker was ruled out for several months.
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Shkodran Mustafi is a player that Valencia seem to be willing to offload at the right price and Arsenal are reported to be seriously interested in the former Sampdoria player and World Cup winning defender.
When asked about Mustafi, Wenger said, "We have not closed any deal with anybody at the moment. That’s the answer.
You speak about Mustafi. Is it Mustafi or anybody else - we haven’t concluded anything at the moment."
After signing Granit Xhaka from the Bundesliga, Arsenal fans will be keen for their team to wrap up the signings of the players they need to complete their squad quickly, so they can aim a long overdue assault for the Premier League trophy this year.
