Arsenal: Riyad Mahrez Signing Stents Potential

Among the plethora of transfer rumors regarding Arsenal, one such signing seems to be gaining traction: Riyad Mahrez. However, the Leicester City winger, if brought to the Emirates, would simply stent the development of many of Arsenal’s youngsters.

The right wing of Arsenal is perhaps the biggest question mark of the starting 11 entering next season. Last year, there was no clear starter in the position, with a multitude of players performing the role to varying degrees of success.

Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shared much of the duty early in the season, and both showed their games were developing, flashing their electric pace and direct dribbling, causing plenty of problems for opposing defenses.

However, injuries, like almost every season, curtailed both of their seasons, and Arsene Wenger utilized a variety of players in the position, from Aaron Ramsey to Danny Welbeck. Eventually, in the latter months of the season, youngster Alex Iwobi had managed to force his way into the starting line up and performed excellently in the closing stages of the Premier League, scoring two and assisting a further two.

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While Arsenal do not have a clear cut number one right winger who is a dead cert to start come August, they do have numbers at the position. All of the above could stake a claim to playing opposite of Alexis Sanchez, plus Joel Campbell and the returning Serge Gnabry will also hope to implement their will on the squad.

While none are world class players, yet, there is a healthy competition in the squad, and great potential to develop more than one top quality winger. Consequently, while bringing in a new right winger may seem attractive to many fans, it would not be the best investment of Arsenal’s resources this Summer.

Recent reports have linked Arsenal to Leicester midfielder Riyad Mahrez. While Mahrez is an outstanding player and he would certainly improve the Arsenal team, it would come at a cost more than just the extortionate transfer fee that Arsenal will have to stump up; it will come at the cost of potential.

While that may seem like a frustrating stance to take, Arsenal have a number of players, that if given the right environment, could blossom into the quality that the PFA Player of the Year possesses.

The front runner for such development has to be either Chamberlain or Iwobi. Theo is now approaching his prime and has not shown enough progress in the past two years to merit further backing. However, while injuries are an issue for The Ox, he is young enough to overcome them and has sensationally flashed his quality from time to time.

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Iwobi, also, is a player that should only improve. A player with little experience, suddenly breaking into the first team and performing at the level he did is only going to grow as he adapts to playing regular top level football. It is, while uncertain, also exciting time for Arsenal’s young wingers, and while Mahrez would be an immediate upgrade, ultimately, Wenger should stick to his principles and let potential shine through.