Arsenal were reportedly interested in the Leicester City star.
Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez has told Canal Football Club that Arsenal were keen on his signature in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners were heavily linked with the winger after he played a key role in the Foxes’ stunning title success last season.
Arsene Wenger’s side did not secure his signature, though, and instead he stayed with the Premier League champions.
The Gunners stuck with forward Theo Walcott, who has since started the season in superb form with five goals in all competitions so far.
So were Arsenal right to turn down the chance to sign Mahrez and stick by Walcott? Here is what the stats have to say.
So far Walcott has registered more shots per game than the Algerian, as well as more shots on target per game.
Mahrez has been the bigger creative force, posting more key passes per game and more accurate passes per game.
The Leicester player also comes out on top when it comes to dribbles, having registered two won per game compared to Walcott’s tally of 1.86.
Interestingly the two are level when it comes to big chances created per game with a score of 0.29, although Walcott has registered more assists.
The Arsenal man is also ahead in the goal chart, with three league goals compared to Mahrez’s solitary strike.
A narrow win for Walcott then and Arsenal will be hoping he can maintain his form to justify their decision this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
