Arsenal Transfer News: Riyad Mahrez Blow Dealt by Claudio Ranieri, Fresh Rumours

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has said the club are not looking to sell reported Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez this summer.

Having lost N’Golo Kante to Chelsea, there were concerns the team that propelled the Foxes to a surprise Premier League title last season may be picked apart ahead of their defence. However, prior to Leicester’s clash with Manchester United in the Community Shield, Ranieri has insisted Mahrez will not be moving on, per Mark Ogden of The Independent:

"

The chairman told me at the beginning, when we spoke, that we want to keep everybody. Kante had a clause and wanted to go, but the others stay with us.

It is not a distraction for me. I am used to speaking about these things.

But it is important that my players believe in the new moment. It is normal others want Riyad and other players, but we must focus on the job. I speak with him a lot and I hope I can help him.

"

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When asked specifically about Mahrez and the prospect of a new contract, Ranieri seemed nonplussed by speculation linking him to the Gunners. “He has a contract for another three years,” the Italian. “Why does he have to sign? He has money and everything.”

As we can see here, the club’s owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha took to Instagram to affirm the club’s stance when it comes to the winger:

According to Ogden, Arsenal are still interested in landing “prime target” Mahrez. The Algerian winger enjoyed a spectacular 2015-16 season, winning the PFA Player of the Year gong to go alongside his Premier League winner's medal.

These numbers from OptaJoe show just how important he was to Leicester’s title charge last term:

While the majority of Gunners supporters want to see manager Arsene Wenger spend big money on a centre-back or a centre-forward this summer, it’d be easy to see Mahrez slotting in on the right flank and adding even more guile to their quality attack.

With Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Mahrez lining up behind a striker, Arsenal would be in possession of one of the most technically gifted offensive setups in European football. It looks as though they’d have to bid an astronomical sum of money to convince Leicester to part with their star creator, though.

Arsenal Unlikely to Raise Alexandre Lacazette Bid

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According to Jonathan Johnson of the London Evening Standard, Arsenal are unlikely to return with an improved offer for Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette.

“Reports in France claim Arsenal have not returned with a new bid for the France international, and Lyon are unlikely to accept more money anyway,” continued the piece, noting that Lyon are not seeking to move the player on after losing Samuel Umtiti already this summer.

Gunners supporters have been excited by the prospect of landing Lacazette after it was revealed the Ligue 1 side rejected an offer for his services earlier in the window, per Johnson. Here is a look at what he’d potentially bring to any club that can prise him away from Lyon:

With Olivier Giroud looking more and more likely to begin the Premier League season as Arsenal’s starting forward, plenty tied to the Emirates Stadium are growing a little concerned that once again the club will not bring in another quality forward.

Indeed, it was hoped that Wenger would show some aberrant behaviour in his recruitment process ahead of this campaign. Bleacher Report UK commented on the Arsenal boss’ seeming unwillingness to spend big money in the window:

Lacazette may not be proven in English football’s top flight, but with his blistering pace, sharp shooting and ability to link play, he’s the kind of striker that would give the team a totally new dimension up top.

If Lyon are to be stubborn negotiators and block any Arsenal move, there’s little the club can do. What will frustrate plenty is seeing the Gunners fail to try to break the resolve of the French side as they seek to add a footballer that could turn them from contenders into potential champions.