Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Riyad Mahrez, Yaya Toure Rumours

Former Barcelona star Xavi has expressed his delight at Riyad Mahrez’s decision to turn down a move to Arsenal in favour of a stay with Leicester City, while the agent of Yaya Toure said both the Gunners and Manchester United expressed an interest in the Manchester City midfielder.

As reported by ShortList (h/t Daily Express’ David Wright), Xavi showered Mahrez with praise, saying the Premier League Player of the Year would hold his own with Barcelona. But he reserved the biggest praise for the Algerian’s decision not to leave Leicester after their title-winning season:

Mahrez is good enough to play for Barcelona, but I am pleased he decided to stay with Leicester.

He clearly must have had options, but if Leicester had lost their best player after such a big achievement it would have been a shame.

It will be interesting to see how him and Leicester perform in Europe this season.

Per the report, Mahrez was linked with the Gunners throughout the summer but ended up signing a new deal with the Foxes. He’s expected to play a major role in their first-ever UEFA Champions League campaign, one year after scoring 17 goals and adding 10 assists on the way to the Premier League title.

Arsenal filled their need for attacking reinforcements by signing Lucas Perez toward the end of the summer transfer window, and big things are expected of the Spaniard. With the Gunners no longer lurking, Mahrez isn’t expected …

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