Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Riyad Mahrez and Kylian Mbappe Rumours

Arsenal could revamp their attack with the additions of Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City and Monaco teenage starlet Kylian Mbappe in the summer, according to reports.

Andy Dunn of the Mirror said the Gunners along with Chelsea and Barcelona are "big admirers" of Mahrez, with the Foxes "bracing themselves" for the player to depart after an electric season.

The Blaugrana are considered favourites to tempt the midfielder, but a bidding war with Premier League clubs could deter their interest as they are reportedly not willing to pay more than £25 million.

Speaking to Goal's Eliot Rothwell, Mahrez admitted playing for Barca with Lionel Messi would be tempting. 

"It’s not my goal or my dream but obviously everyone wants to play with Messi," Mahrez said. "One day, maybe. Why not? I didn’t have a hero but there were some players I liked watching. Players like Zinedine Zidane, Didier Drogba, Messi, the Brazilian Ronaldo."

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also watching the development of 17-year-old Mbappe, who has attracted significant interest from Liverpool after becoming Monaco's youngest-ever scorer—breaking Thierry Henry's record.

Melissa Reddy of Goal.com claimed Arsenal are reportedly "circling" around the forward alongside Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

According to French newspaper L'Equipe (h/t talkSPORT), the Gunners led the race for Mbappe's signature in January, and Arsenal have already held talks with the player as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Mahrez and Mbappe would fit Wenger's usual desire for pace and skill, and both would be considered popular additions with supporters.

The Leicester attacking midfielder has been the breakout star of the Premier League this term as the Foxes compete with Wenger's team for the league title.

As highlighted by STATS Football, Mahrez is the only player in England to produce two statistical doubles:

"

Leicester's Riyad Mahrez is the only player in the Premier League to have reached double figures in both goals (14) and assists (10).

— STATS Football (@STATS_Football) February 14, 2016"

VALERY HACHE/Getty Images

Mbappe is yet to start in Ligue 1, appearing five times from the substitutes bench, per WhoScored.com. He would be a steal if he leaves Monaco on a free transfer—with only compensation due to the French team.

Sam Long of the London Evening Standard compared the teenager to Anthony Martial, who was surprisingly snapped up by Manchester United in the summer.

"Given the manner in which Anthony Martial has thrived at Manchester United this season—despite arriving with a relatively modest profile—the Emirates faithful will be hopeful they have unearthed another French gem," he wrote.

NICOLAS TUCAT/Getty Images

The young Parisian is the type of forward Arsenal need to add to their ranks, and he would provide good coverage in the striker position.

He would offer an alternative to Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck while also allowing Theo Walcott to continue in a more familiar, wider role.

Capturing Mahrez will be incredibly difficult in the summer, especially if Barca follow up their reported interest.

It is debatable whether Arsenal need the Leicester player at present, with Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil offering Wenger plenty of flair.