Arsenal In Talks Over Mahrez But 23-Goal Chelsea Target Is Wenger’s Priority

The opening of the summer transfer window is fast approaching so we’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and gossip from around the globe. Today, Arsenal are linked with Riyah Mahrez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan….

Arsenal are interested in signing Leicester City attacker Riyah Mahrez but Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains Arsene Wenger’s priority, according to ESPN.

Wenger has wasted no time in trying to strengthen his squad after missing out on the Premier League title last season with the Frenchman pushing to make Jamie Vardy his second signing following the arrival of midfielder Granit Xhaka.

But even if Arsenal manage to land Vardy, it seems Wenger is still on the look out for further attacking reinforcements and the Sun claim that the North Londoners are also in talks with Leicester about a sensational deal for Mahrez after learning he also has a buyout clause in his contract.

The Algerian international has just come off the back of a stunning campaign that was him score 17 goals and provide 10 assists to help the Foxes clinch a shock title win and it looks like Wenger is keen on pairing him with Vardy at the Emirates next year.

However, while ESPN confirm Arsenal’s interest in the 25-year-old PFA Player of the Year, they claim that sources close to the club have informed them that Wenger’s priority target is Borussia Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The 27-year-old has developed in to one of the best attackers in Europe since moving to Germany and he scored 23 goals and provided 32 assists for the Bundesliga giants during a sensational campaign last season, so it’s easy to see why Arsenal are interested.

However, the Gunners will face stiff competition for his signature as the Sun reported over the weekend that Chelsea were also showing a keen interest in signing the Armenian international with new boss Antonio Conte looking to rebuild the Blues squad following a disastrous season in West London.

Mkhitaryan has just one year remaining on his current deal and has so far refused to sign an extension so ESPN suggest that Dortmund will be forced to cash-in if an offer of around £27m was put on the table.

READ MORE –> Arsenal transfer news | Chelsea transfer news

Both Arsenal and Chelsea should have no problem matching that figure and I think Mkhitaryan would be an excellent signing for either club, so hopefully we’ll see him plying his trade here in England next season.