Arsenal Shouldn’t Double Down On Riyad Mahrez

Arsenal have been given the cold shoulder by Jamie Vardy, so doubling down on another Leicester Man may lead to similarly shameful results.

Arsenal’s search for striking help has been put on hold with the Euros kicking into gear. But there are various transfer targets out there that they can still get a hold of during some of these international competitions.

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For instance, the question of who, if any, wide attackers they will sign can and should be answered soon. Again, if Wenger has any intention of doing so.

There are only two options. Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Borussia Dortmund and Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City. Everyone has an opinion. Each one has their own perks. The Armenian provided for more goals and he is an explosive threat with pristine passing ability. He has an established love for Arsenal that he pointed out back in 2009 when he first came into the international spectrum.

Then there is Riyad Mahrez. The Leicester winger was a breakout this year, providing for 29 goals in the Foxes historical season.

Both of them are clearly solid options and both would benefit Arsenal’s attack immensely. And conveniently, both have made it clear that they would entertain the idea of a move. Mkhitaryan declined a contract extension and now Mahrez has indicated that a move isn’t impossible.

Call me hesitant.

Not meaning to sound like a pessimist, but the last time Arsenal was linked to a Leicester player, they were made to play the waiting game before eventually looking a tad foolish when he kept putting off a decision.

Given Mahrez’s hesitant words, I wouldn’t be surprise to see excessive delaying in a similar situation. In the end, Arsenal lose again. The waiting game puts Arsenal on the back foot in their search for a position that, while not imperative, would be a massive boost. If Vardy can be put off the transfer chase by an overwhelming sense of loyalty, then Mahrez can be too. They built a strong chemistry at Leicester last season and understandably so.

The wise option would be to cash in on Mkhitaryan. I have preferred him to Mahrez this whole time anyway. His explosiveness and creativity for Dortmund would fit in masterfully at Arsenal and give them a touchline-to-touchline threat with Alexis and the Armenian sharing the pitch.

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While Mahrez would be an excellent addition, obviously, the risk of being made to look the fool again is a bit of a put off and, though it shouldn’t be a deal breaker, it should provide for a good deal of hesitation.