Arsenal Transfer News: Riyad Mahrez Enquiry, Victor Osimhen, Top Gunners Rumours

Arsenal will contest the potential transfer of Riyad Mahrez with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur after the Leicester City player's amazing performances this season, and the Gunners have approached the Premier League leaders. 

Simon Jones of the MailOnline said a bidding war for the £25 million-rated midfielder could ensue, as the Emirates Stadium club investigate the possibility of a deal.

Mahrez has been one of the stars of the Premier League in 2015-16, firing his team to the top of the English standings with strike colleague Jamie Vardy.

However, the player has directly indicated he is happy to stay at the King Power Stadium until the end of the campaign, re-affirmed by his agent Kamel Bengougam, according to Jones.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

The Algeria international recently told French radio station RMC he wants to remain loyal to Leicester after they showed great faith in him, bringing him to English football and prominence (h/t Jones for the Daily Mail):

"

I was at Le Havre, I had six months left but nobody came to get me. Leicester tried very hard to get me. I could feel that they wanted me.

I took the decision without knowing the culture or the area. It was a risk. 

When you come from far away and you end up in the Premier League it makes you happy. I am happy that I signed for Leicester.

"

FAROUK BATICHE/Getty Images

The 24-year-old has contributed 13 goals and seven assists in only 16 Premier League appearances this term, per WhoScored.com, proving himself to be one of Europe's breakout stars of the season. 

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could certainly harness Mahrez's talents in his side, as the midfielder suits Arsenal's more direct style this year.

The Frenchman has his team more focused in the final third, and Mahrez would add a dynamic threat across the forward line. 

However, Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri recently spoke about Mahrez and Vardy and said he has advised both talents to sit tight until the end of the season, resisting the temptation to fly the nest in January, as quoted by Laurie Whitwell of the MailOnline: 

"I spoke to the two guys, we continue together, we can improve," said Ranieri. "Maybe at end of the season we can speak. We are in good flight now. I don't wait for their answer! If they believe in me—follow me."

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Wenger is also tracking Nigeria under-17 star Victor Osimhen, and the player is due to visit the north London club, per the Metro's Will Giles.

The prolific striker confirmed to website Footballlive.ng he has the additional option of joining Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, but he will wait until he has spoken to Arsenal:

"

I spoke with the [Wolfsburg] coach who also made several promises and if I eventually choose to sign for them, I hope they’ll keep their word. But I have not decided where to go yet because Arsenal are also showing strong interests and perhaps after my visit to the club, I will have a clear view of where I want to go.

"

Osimhen helped his country to a historic FIFA Under-17 World Cup success this year, scoring 10 goals in seven matches to fire the Super Eagles to the trophy, per Giles. Spurs are also keeping an eye on developments, as Europe's top clubs assess his ability. 

Here's a video displaying why the striker is highly rated:

Arsenal look set for a charge at the Premier League title this season as other protagonists in the race falter.

However, Wenger needs to strengthen, as his side have been in this position many times before—leading to many false dawns in north London.

Mahrez would be the perfect addition, and he would allow Theo Walcott to be exclusively used as a striker. The England international displayed his prowess against Manchester City, scoring a beautiful curling effort, but the arrival of Mahrez would constrict the strain on Walcott's attacking midfield duties. 

The Gunners could finally be about to break their championship duck in the Premier League, and a shrewd addition in January might be enough to drag Wenger and Co. over the line.