Arsene Wenger replies when asked if Arsenal are signing top 26-year-old
Arsene Wenger insists that Arsenal were "never close" to securing the signing of Riyad Mahrez this summer
Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal “were never close” to tying up a deal to sign Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City this summer.
The north London side have been linked with a move to sign the Algeria international this summer as his future at the King Power Stadium remains a source of speculation.
Roma have also been credited with an interest in signing Mahrez this summer, although he seems set to start the new Premier League season at Leicester.
Mahrez was touted as a possible target for the Gunners early in the summer but there has been no concrete offer from the north London side.
And although Wenger admits that he is a fan of the 26-year-old attacker, he says that Arsenal were never close to his signature.
Wenger is quoted as saying by Goal: “We were never close [to signing Mahrez].
“I rate him as a player but we have similar types with Alex Iwobi, Jack Wilshere back, Mesut Ozil – we have plenty of the same type of players.”
Arsenal have signed two players so far this summer after having tied up deals for both Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac.
The Gunners are thought to still be on the lookout for new signings this summer as they prepare to try and challenge for the Premier League title this season.
The north London side ended up in a disappointing fifth place in the Premier League table last term.
