Editors Note: Due to the tricky and often false nature of EPL transfer window rumors, this article falls upon the self-imposed Gonzalo Higuain Rule, named after current Juventus’ Argentine striker and one-time Arsenal target, Gonzalo Higuain.
Higuain, who was rumored to have “signed” for Arsenal by multiple media outlets before going to Napoli in 2013. Until said player has officially taken his medical and an image of them is posted on said club’s site, the Gonzalo Higuain Rule is in effect, and every rumor is treated as pure speculation.
Fresh off of their unveiling of new French import Alexandre Lacazette, could the Arsenal Gunners be ready to make another transfer window swoop for Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez or AS Monaco striker Thomas Lemar?
According to various tabloids over in both the U.K. and Europe, Arsenal and Leicester City are engaged in what has been described as positive talks about the Algerian winger. Mahrez, who has tallied 30 total goals in 122 appearances for the Foxes, is currently the subject of a reported deadlock between Arsenal and Leicester official over the final asking price of what is rumored to be £50 million ($64.8 million USD), with Arsenal only willing to pay £35 million ($45.3 million USD).
While rumored to be willing to break their recently shattered club record in landing Lacazette, in tabling a £80 million bid ($103.7 million USD) for AS Monaco talisman Thomas Lemar, who tallied 14 goals and 17 assists in 55 caps in helping Monaco win Ligue 1 and advance to the Champions League semi-finals, why is Arsenal not willing to meet Leicester City’s asking price, which is £30 million pounds less for a EPL-proven player such as Mahrez who just a former PFA Player of the Year?
Depending on one’s own preference between quality players such as Mahrez and Lemar, but if Arsenal are able to land either one, Arsenal would boast one of the most prolific attacking fronts in all of football in the form of Alexis Sanchez, the forementioned Lacazette, Mesut Ozil and either Lemar or Mahrez.
Thanks to Arsene Wenger seemingly finding a new lifeline in the form of a two-year contract extension, the Gunners can press forward in trying to reclaim their rightful place as one of England’s top clubs. Hopefully, Arsenal will either meet Leicester’s asking price for Mahrez or go in a different direction and add another quality French import in Lemar.