Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Ezequiel Lavezzi and Riyad Mahrez Rumours

Arsenal could be set to land Paris Saint-Germain star Ezequiel Lavezzi as the Argentinian reportedly wants to leave the club.

That's according to Fichajes.net (via Metro's Louis Sealey) which noted that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger "was believed to be working on a deal to sign him this summer," but now a January move could be on the cards.

The likes of Angel Di Maria and Lucas Moura are above the 30-year-old in the pecking order, so the prospect of more regular game time elsewhere could drive Lavezzi to seek pastures new.

Former Arsenal stalwart Sol Campbell is one of many former players, pundits and journalists to criticise Wenger's transfer activity over the summer, as they failed to land a single outfield player despite hoping to challenge for the Premier League title.

Per the Telegraph, he said: "There was talk of Karim Benzema coming. Really, if they want to win the Premier League, Arsenal need to push the boat out to get those special players who will make a difference."

However, while Lavezzi could certainly be a useful player for Arsenal, he's not one who can take them to the next level.

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The Argentinian scored nine goals and laid on nine assists in all competitions last season. Overall, the winger has notched 33 strikes and 23 assists in 140 appearances for Les Parisiens—for a team desperate for a prolific, out-and-out centre-forward, Lavezzi isn't the man.

WhoScored.com highlighted finishing as his biggest weakness:

Nor, indeed, is he as creative as the likes of Mesut Ozil or Santi Cazorla, so he wouldn't even be a guaranteed starter at the Emirates.

B/R's own Jonathan Johnson believes Lavezzi has little to add:

At his age, the winger wouldn't represent a particularly long-term acquisition, nor will he be able to develop the necessary incisiveness to truly benefit Arsenal in the short term.

Therefore, it seems unlikely Wenger will target him in January unless the Gunners encounter several lengthy injuries in attacking midfield before then.

Arsenal Failed with Late Riyad Mahrez Bid

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Liam Corless of the Mirror), the Gunners "attempted to sign Leicester [City] star Riyad Mahrez late in the transfer window," but they were unable to prise him away from the Foxes.

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The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League so far this season, scoring four goals in four matches. As Opta Joe demonstrated, the Algerian has maintained his excellent run of form from the end of last season:

The Algerian's dribbling and ability to create opportunities are among his key strengths, which he showed last season by successfully completing 77 take-ons and creating 44 chances, according to Squawka.

If this season is anything to go on so far, Mahrez has also added a potent end product in front of goal.

Though Mahrez has a lot to prove before he can be the kind of player Arsenal need to win the title, at his age he would likely make a better acquisition than Lavezzi.

It's unlikely Leicester will be willing to part with one of their key players midseason, though, as they bid to survive another year in the English top flight, but a move next summer could be on the cards if Arsenal renew their interest.