Arsenal Transfer News: Riyad Mahrez Eyed by Barcelona, Latest Gunners Rumours

Arsenal could face stiff competition if they remain keen on a move for Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez, with reports suggesting Barcelona will target the Algerian international in a shock transfer.

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror) the Gunners made a late move for the Foxes star in the final embers of the transfer window. It seems the Londoners aren’t the only admirers of the player either, with Simon Jones of the MailOnline noting interest from the La Liga giants.

Jones’ piece suggested Barca have been “alerted” by Mahrez’s strong start to the campaign. Squawka Football broke down how the winger has fared so far:

The prospect of a move to Barcelona is one that’d undoubtedly appeal to Mahrez. The club are on the hunt for a wide player after the sale of Pedro earlier this season and stylistically, the Leicester star is someone who would fit the bill. It’d be a huge opportunity for the 24-year-old and one you can imagine the Foxes wouldn’t begrudge him.

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For Arsenal Mahrez represents a peculiar target. As noted by Tom Adams of Eurosport, it’s tough to see the logic behind it:

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Wenger trying to sign Mahrez makes little sense at all, which almost certainly means it is happening

— Tom Adams (@tomEurosport) August 30, 2015"

Indeed, the Gunners already have an excess of attacking midfield players. While there is an obvious void in the Barcelona squad after the sale of Pedro, Arsenal still have so many squad members that are capable of filling the three positions behind the centre-forward. So if Barca do come in for Mahrez, don’t expect Wenger to battle too hard to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Isaac Hayden Reveals Manchester United Interest

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Arsenal starlet Isaac Hayden has revealed that he rejected interest from Manchester United as a youngster to join up with the Gunners.

The central defender is currently out on loan at Hull City and speaking with Philip Buckingham of the Hull Daily Mail revealed that as soon as Arsenal were interested in signing him as a 13-year-old, the choice was straightforward:

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As soon as I got the nod, and the choice between Manchester United and Arsenal, it was an easy decision. I said 'Drive me there now!' as soon as I knew they were interested. It felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Manchester United were keen but when you’re 13 and living in London with your parents, it was a no brainer. They were my team growing up because my idol was Patrick Vieira. I always watched his game and studied what he did.

"

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The 20-year-old has yet to make an impression at the Emirates, but he has been performing well on loan at Hull so far this season. It’s the kind of move that is important in any young player's career and Hayden will learn plenty from a spell away from home and by featuring regularly in the lower leagues.

There’s a long way for him to go to make it into the Arsenal first team, but after revealing he rejected advances from one of the club’s biggest rivals, should he crack it in north London Hayden will quickly become a very popular figure.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Boost for the Gunners

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According to reports in Spain cited by the Daily Express (h/t Liam Corless of the Daily Mirror), mercurial striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are interested.

The veteran forward’s contract is due to expire next summer, meaning the Gunners could potentially pick Ibrahimovic up on a free transfer. He’d certainly add something a bit special to the Arsenal attack, as we can see here:

Wenger’s side have been striving for the Premier League title unsuccessfully for a while now and Zlatan, having won domestic honours in the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and France, could be the player the club needs to make that final step. 

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Such is Ibrahimovic’s popularity, even opposition supporters would love to see the striker in the Premier League, per West Ham Central:

Signing the veteran doesn’t really align with the principles Wenger usually adheres to, though. It’s very rare Arsenal bring in players over the age of 30 on big money and as good as Ibrahimovic may be, if the Gunners are to eventually spend on a striker, expect it to be with longevity in mind.

Seeing the Swede strut his stuff in England before he hangs up his boots would be brilliant. But he’s definitely not the right fit for Arsenal in their current state.