Arsenal legend Alan Smith wants Riyad Mahrez at the London club instead of Everton’s Ross Barkley.
Former Arsenal player and club legend Alan Smith has urged the Gunners to sign Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have also been linked with a move for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, as reported by the Standard, but Smith believes that the north London club should drop their interest in the England international.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has made it clear that he expects the midfielder to leave the Goodison Park before the end of the transfer window.
Mahrez, likewise, has made it clear that he doesn’t want to continue at Leicester and wants to test himself at a bigger club.
Leicester initially slapped a £50 million asking price for Mahrez. However, they were forced to drop their asking price to £40 million, reported by the Metro, after Mahrez pleaded to lower the rate.
Serie A giants Roma have had two bids rejected for Mahrez, with their latest offer being still way behind Leicester’s valuation.
Smith has hailed Mahrez as a “match winner” and a more “matured player” than Barkley.
“I’d say [Arsenal should go after] Mahrez more than Barkley,” said Smith on Alan Brazil Sports breakfast.
“I think he’s more of a match winner and he’s a more mature player. I’ve just come back from Hong Kong watching Liverpool and Leicester in the Asia Trophy, and Mahrez looked sharp.
“Whether he’s playing for a move, putting himself in the shop window, I don’t know. He’s definitely a Champions League player, although I know Arsenal aren’t in that competition this season!”
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