Do Arsenal need Mahrez?

Riyad Mahrez is a man in demand with Arsenal the latest club to be linked with a move for the Leicester winger. But is this an area in which Arsene Wenger needs to strengthen? Adam Bate argues that he could make a big difference to the Gunners…

Ask Arsenal supporters the areas they’d look to strengthen this summer and it’s a centre-back partner for Laurent Koscielny and an upgrade on striker Olivier Giroud that are likely to be regarded as the priorities. Another attacking midfielder is not considered quite so urgent.

However, Riyad Mahrez has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer and the Leicester winger’s qualities should see a shift in that thinking. His performances on the right flank, underlined by his latest stunning goal against Celtic, demand attention.

After all, this is the player who scored 17 goals as the Foxes won the Premier League title last season. He is the player who broke through the lines and drew defences out of position. And while there are a number of right-wing options at Arsenal, none can compete with Mahrez.

Consider their combined efforts last term. Arsene Wenger used six different starters there in the Premier League, but Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere are widely regarded as being out of position on the right, while Theo Walcott’s best role remains a moot point at 27 years old.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain endured a difficult campaign in which his progress was stunted and though Joel Campbell has his admirers, few are convinced he is the solution. The best performer on the right was Alexis Sanchez but that only moves the problems to the left flank.

The numbers do not make impressive reading. Despite Arsenal creating …

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