Arsenal Transfer News: Gunners Pursuing Riyad Mahrez Deal, Mauro Icardi Rumours

Arsenal will begin their bid to sign Leicester City attacker Riyad Mahrez in the weeks to come, according to the latest reports, but Inter forward Mauro Icardi has ruled out any chance of moving to the Emirates Stadium.

According to French outlet Foot365, the Gunners are ready to make good on their interest in Algeria international Mahrez this winter amid the injury crisis that's been plaguing their squad (h/t Metro's Will Giles).

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Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere have all endured spells on the sidelines this season, affecting manager Arsene Wenger's options in attack and midfield.

Meanwhile, Leicester have been thriving and currently sit at the head of the Premier League, with Mahrez standing out as the jewel in their crown. Eurosport detailed his incredible standing among Europe's finest this term:

The 24-year-old has seven goals and six assists to his name in the Premier League this term, leading the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea to take an interest in his talents, so says Giles' report.

It's little wonder, either, as Mahrez leads the continent's midfielders in terms of goal influence this season, according to Squawka Dave:

With Walcott moving into a more central attacking position of late, Wenger may deem wide reinforcements necessary, although Mahrez has shown the capacity to play in a No. 10 role, too.

Having penned a new contract in August of this year, tempting the Foxes into selling their rising asset will be no easy task, but Arsenal may feel they've got the pulling power to lure Mahrez away from King Power Stadium.

A player the north Londoners apparently won't be attracting this January, however, is Inter striker Icardi, who has pledged his allegiance to the Nerazurri for the rest of the campaign.

Speaking to Italian broadcaster Mediaset Premium this week (h/t David Wright of the Daily Express), the Argentinian said: "I stay here this season as I did the last one. I'm also the captain and I can't leave a team which is doing good things."

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As aforementioned, the Premier League club have been struggling hugely with injuries this season, particularly in attack, where even the return of Welbeck may not alleviate their woes up front.

Icardi hasn't quite been at his free-scoring finest this season after netting four in 11 games, but two of those have come in his last three Serie A games and OptaPaolo recently attested to his prolific rate in Italy:

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reported earlier this month that Arsenal were willing to fork out a major sum of €45 million (£31.7 million) on Icardi (h/t Football Italia).

Convincing the South American star to leave the San Siro seems a futile task at this point, but the Gunners may yet persevere with a move depending on their desperation to acquire winter reinforcements.