Liverpool have begun talks to acquire Riyad Mahrez, but the attacker is apparently favouring a move to Arsenal, instead of being keen on this dreamy opportunity.
The Daily Express report that insiders close to Mahrez have confirm transfer talks have begun with the Reds, but that the Leicester City winger still would rather go to London with Arsenal.
The same report confirms that the Gunners haven’t open talks, however Mahrez shouldn’t be settling for Liverpool; they should be his first choice.
While the winger has just brought property in London, the Reds are his better option.
It’s no secret Mahrez has ambitions beyond that of Leicester City and if he thinks Arsenal are the club to fulfill them, then he’s simply wrong.
Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool are on an upward trajectory, whereas the Gunners are heading in the other direction.
For example this season, only one of these clubs have Champions League football and it’s not Arsenal.
It also looks very likely that next season, it will be the same scenario.
The Reds currently sit fourth, just inside the Champions League places, while the Gunners are five points behind in sixth.
If Mahrez wants any further proof of which club are on the up, Liverpool are still in the FA Cup while Arsenal suffered an embarrassing defeat to Nottingham Forest to exit at the third round.
The Gunners show no signs of improving, and could face turmoil in the summer due to Arsene Wenger perhaps ending his long reign and departing the club.
The Evening Standard reported it was a scenario that was potentially set to happen.
Aside from Mahrez wanting to leave Leicester in order to win trophies and generally be at a bigger club; he has to consider the side that will utilise him best.
That option is clearly Liverpool.
The Reds let their attackers off the leash allowing them to score goals for fun, and Mahrez would have a lot of creative freedom at Anfield.
While the Algerian international could fit in at Arsenal, Wenger likes his team to play a certain way and would be stubborn about imposing that on the winger.
The only reason Liverpool have space in their team is because of the departure of Philippe Coutinho.
This is a rare and golden opportunity for an attacking presence to join a side who already strike fear in other teams hearts, as they march on.
With Mahrez and a new defender in tow, the Reds would clearly be title contenders next season; with Mahrez potentially adding to the Premier League title he has already won.
It may be Mahrez’s choice to go to Arsenal because it’s in London, but if he wants success in the near future, he needs to accept what Liverpool are potentially offering him.
This would be a brilliant detail for everyone concerned.