Arsenal Legend Alan Smith Urges Gunners to Sign 'More Mature' Riyad Mahrez This Summer

Ex Leicester and Arsenal striker Alan Smith wants the Gunners to focus all their attention on Leicester's Algerian winger Mahrez. There have been several reports linking Arsenal with the 26-year-old this summer, as well as Monaco winger Thomas Lemar and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley. 

However Smith wants Arsenal to prioritise signing Mahrez, telling the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show on TalkSport:“I’d say (Arsenal should go after) Mahrez more than Barkley.

“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!”

[youtube:https://youtu.be/r9fT4XYKMc0]

Smith scored 76 goals for Leicester between 1982 and 1987 before joining Arsenal, but it appears he has sided with the Gunners in this transfer saga. Italian club Roma are also believed to be in pursuit of Mahrez, so Arsenal may face tough competition for his signature. 

There is also the potential stumbling block of his price tag, according to reports Leicester want £40m for the winger - but a number of Arsenal fans have taken to social media to agitate for the signing. 

The transfer window closes on the 31st of August at 11pm, with Arsenal's first game of the Premier League season on the 12th of August against the Foxes.