Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez could reportedly be on his way to join AS Roma this summer as the Italian club are eyeing him as a replacement for Mohamed Salah
According to a report by Media Set, Arsenal face the prospect of missing out on Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez with Roma keen on signing the Algerian for £35 million.
Mahrez has been linked for a move to Arsenal for majority of the transfer window this time. Manager Arsene Wenger is keen on boosting his midfield and identified Mahrez as a key target before pursuing Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco. However, Wenger seems to be on the verge of missing out on Mahrez now since he is likely to move to Italy.
It is believed that Mahrez has agreed personal terms with the Italian giants, but the financial aspect might be an issue as Roma initially offered a sum of £25 million whereas Leicester are demanding £55 million. The Italian club seem to be keen on Mahrez and raised the offer to £35 million.
Leicester might give in to the discounted deal for the 2015/16 PFA Player of the Year, who is likely to be a replacement for Mohamed Salah at Roma after the player joined Liverpool recently.
Mahrez’s current club Leicester City struggled in their title defence last season and even emerged as shock relegation contenders, while Mahrez failed to find his best form, before showing signs of improvement towards the end of the season. After three years of ups and downs at the King Power Stadium, the playmaker seems to be ready to move on.
The Algeria international does not lack talent and he still has the power and time to do a lot better either at Roma or Arsenal. The fact that Salah no longer plays for Roma can only provide Mahrez with a golden opportunity to replace him, and based on the brilliant form displayed by Mahrez when Leicester won the league title, he is capable of it.
The 26-year-old play-maker is extremely proficient technically and can connect attacking moves in tight areas. He is fast and can be creative even in compact areas while also setting up chances to score. That could have worked extremely well in a set-up like Arsenal but with Lemar expected to join, a move to Roma seems better.
Mahrez needs to focus on upping his game and while Lemar can provide stiff competition, it can also put extra stress on him to perform better which can again hamper his game. Thus moving to Roma would be ideal comparatively since the midfielder will have the space to cement his position and improve his form.
