The two major obstacles in the way of Arsene Wenger completing the transfer of the Leicester City and Algeria international star Riyad Mahrez have been removed this week according to reports in the football press. Hopefully the other one, namely the manager himself and what can appear to be almost criminal dithering, will not stop the Gunners adding this brilliant and Premier League proven player to the ranks of the Arsenal squad this summer.
The first problem was about whether Mahrez would choose to remain at the club that helped him to win the PFA Player of the Year award to go with his EPL winners medal but The Guardian has reported that unlike his team mate Jamie Vardy, the Algerian attacking star has turned down the offer of a new and improved contract with the champions.
It is thought that the Foxes will not stand in his way if they get the right offer and the transfer of their France international midfielder N´Golo Kante to Chelsea this week certainly supports that theory.
The next big problem for Arsenal were the rumours that Spain´s La Liga champions Barcelona were also in the running for the talented and effective 25-year old, but The Mirror is reporting that the Catalan club have ruled themselves out of the race.
Arsenal are not the only club being linked with Mahrez, with Premier League rivals Man City and Chelsea also mentioned, but the Gunners can offer him a guaranteed place in the Champions League group stage and also a much better chance of being a regular first team starter.
The prices being talked about are a £35 million transfer fee and wages of around £120,000 a week, which is well within our capabilities, so is this the Arsenal striker signing we have been waiting for?
Bob.