In the last couple of days, the transfer story which has gathered some steam and leverage has been the potential move of Leicester City superstar Riyad Mahrez to Arsenal. The reigning Premier League Player of the Season, according to various reports, is attracting interest from Arsenal and it is needless to say that despite the fans prioritizing for a striker, they wouldn’t object to the incoming of a talent like Mahrez and would be very happy if it happens.
The Premier League season is due to start on 13th August 2016 and Arsenal have stated on their official website that they remain in the market and there would be some players brought in before the transfer window is slammed shut. There are a list of names which are thrown forward as the potential next signing by Wenger and at the moment it looks that Mahrez can very well be one of those. With the prospect of the winger joining the team at London Colney, let’s look at the pros and cons related to the transfer
Pros
It goes without saying that the addition of Mahrez would instantly create a buzz around the stadium and will strengthen the squad. The team already does have the likes of Alexis and Ozil and Mahrez would add to the flair on the pitch making the team more entertaining to watch that it already is at the moment. Arsenal has had some problems over the last couple of years regarding their right wing where the inconsistent performances of both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain failed to add to the overall attacking quotient of the team during matches and both the players have had their fair share of injury problems over the years as well missing out on large chunks of seasons as a result.
Mahrez is very fit and has had a wonderful season playing on the right wing for Leicester where he ran rings around the opposition on a consistent basis. With Mahrez on the right and Alexis on the left, Arsenal would have the best combination of inverted attackers working in tandem.
The quality already on offer at the Emirates would provide a platform for the Algerian winger to develop further and having a manager like Wenger would allow him to be more expressive on the pitch. Arsenal would also offer the player Champions League football on a consistent basis and a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best talents of football regularly which will provide enough motivation for the player to up his game more and more.
Cons
The biggest challenge Mahrez would be facing at Arsenal would be pressure. He will be immediately under the microscope and the fans would expect him to perform in every match against every opposition which will affect his game. He would not be able to play without any pressure like he did at the King Power at The Emirates.
The potential transfer of Mahrez would also spell and end to the first team chances of Theo Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain and the two players would not be able to contribute or flourish as players (even though they have had their chances). Last season Mahrez looked totally anonymous against Monreal in the two games he played against Arsenal so there are still question marks over whether he can really perform against top quality left backs in the European competitions and justify his price tag or put to bed the claims of being just a one season wonder.
