Arsenal failed to sign Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez this summer, despite Arsene Wenger insisting they bring him in, reports Mundo Deportivo [via Metro].
The 24-year-old ended up staying with the Foxes, and has started the season in fine form. He has scored four goals in the first four matches, matching his total from the last campaign. With these performances attracting interest from Barcelona [according to the Metro], the Gunners may have missed their chance to sign the Algeria international.
The North London outfit have looked in need of a new forward, scoring only three goals so far. Two of those have also been own goals, making the problem even more pronounced. This has made fans unhappy with their summer transfer business [Daily Star], in which the club only brought goalkeeper Petr Cech to the Emirates Stadium.
Much was made of links to Real Madrid star Karim Benzema [Daily Star] and PSG ace Edinson Cavani [Independent] in the transfer window, but neither move materialised. Mahrez could have been a cheaper and more Premier League-ready option for Wenger’s side.
It will surely infuriate supporters to hear that Arsenal failed to sign the winger despite the Frenchman’s insistence.
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The London side are now going to have to rely on their current options until at least January. With matches against rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to come in the next month, they will have to pick up their game soon if they are going to challenge Manchester City and Chelsea for the Premier League title.