Charlie Nicholas has claimed that Arsenal should pursue alternatives to Riyad Mahrez, although he would likely make our starting line-up at present.
The winger has been eyed as one of a number of replacements for wantaway star Alexis Sanchez, with the Chilean expected to make the move to Manchester City in the coming weeks.
In the summer, Sanchez agreed personal terms with the Citizens before Arsenal pulled the plug on the deal, with the Gunners having been turned down by Thomas Lemar of Monaco, and the North London club are believed to be on the look-out for a replacement once again prior to allowing him to move on.
Manchester United are the latest name to be pursuing his signature, with the Red Devils currently struggling up front.
Arsenal must figure out who they wish to bring in his place before agreeing his exit however, and former player Charlie Nicholas has urged his side to overlook Leicester City’s in-form winger Riyad Mahrez.
“I don’t see it. They were in (for him) over a season ago,” Nicholas said on Sky Sports.
“If they are interested then just hang back for a couple of weeks because it will take at least two weeks for them to get in touch with you. If it’s anything to do with the Jonny Evans situation it takes forever to get things done!
“The way he’s playing right now, I have said to you before maybe a month or so ago, I’m not particularly as an Arsenal guy seeking Riyad Mahrez to come.
“Yes, I get his talent, he’s playing outstandingly well.
“But I think there’s better players on the market you can go and get.
“But in saying that, Arsenal are probably, as we touched on, having to plan to rebuild.
“So that type of player at the moment would get into the team.
“Whereas if you asked me three of four months ago, I would have said it would have been a struggle for him.”
Is Mahrez good enough for Arsenal? Should he not be high on our list of targets this month?
Pat J