Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Riyad Mahrez, Kelechi Nwakali Rumours

Riyad Mahrez has left the door open to a possible exit from Premier League champions Leicester City after admitting he's flattered by the interest being shown in him, with Arsenal reportedly keen on signing the gifted winger.

The Algerian international refused to confirm his future is committed to City, per Metro's Tom Olver: "It is flattering to hear, as I said nothing is agreed, nothing is done. We will see… For the moment I have not made a decision. We will see. It is possible that I stay, it is possible that I leave. We will see."

Earlier this month, Daniel Cutts of the Sun reported the Gunners have targeted Mahrez as a follow-up to their potential deal for Leicester striker Jamie Vardy. Yet, ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke stated Arsenal actually prefer Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan over Mahrez.

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While there's no doubt Dortmund's No. 10 is a stylish and intelligent creator, Mahrez may make more sense for the Gunners. For one thing, he's Premier League-ready, having won the PFA Player of the Year award after guiding the Foxes to the summit of England's top flight.

That prize was just reward after a season during which he scored 18 goals and supplied 11 assists, according to WhoScored.com. His pace, trickery and flair would make Mahrez an instant fit in Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's brand of attractive, attacking football.

As an intelligent right winger, Mahrez would also solve a problem position for the Gunners, one Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Aaron Ramsey have all failed to make their own.

Putting Mahrez in a forward line already containing Alexis Sanchez would give Arsenal two attackers capable of taking the ball past defenders, as well as scoring and setting up goals.

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Back in May, Mahrez's agent said there's a "50/50 chance" his client could leave the Foxes this summer, per Ed Aarons of the Guardian. Wenger would be smart to ensure the Algerian makes his way to the Emirates Stadium.

Kelechi Nwakali Reportedly Agrees to Contract

The Gunners have apparently moved a step closer to finally signing Nigerian teenage prodigy Kelechi Nwakali, after Diamond Football Academy president Martin Apugo appeared to confirm the transfer will be completed later this month.

Apugo told allnigeriasoccer.com (h/t the Daily Star's Alex Harris): "Kelechi Nwakali was with Arsenal but came back from London to join the national team. He will travel this month to Arsenal, he is still in the Flying Eagles camp. He has agreed a five-year contract, he is a player of Arsenal."

It's been a protracted saga involving the 18-year-old who was captain for Nigeria's victorious squad at the FIFA under-17 World Cup in 2015, with the Gunners' interest dating back to March when Nwakali initially said he had signed a contract with the club.

Nwakali recently offered a tantalising glimpse of his talent when he scored a wonderful free kick to help his nation beat Burundi. The Nigerian Football Federation relayed a highlight of the impressive strike:

Wenger has a long history of placing his faith in African talent, with Nwankwo Kanu, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue and Emmanuel Adebayor all enjoying success during the Frenchman's time at Arsenal.

Most recently, Alex Iwobi, a 20-year-old Nigerian attacking midfielder, has made a breakthrough. Adding Nwakali will give Wenger one more promising young prospect he can develop into a potential star.

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Mahrez is already a star, though. He's a genuine match-winner who would give Arsenal the attacking impetus to maintain a Premier League title challenge in the new season.