Chelsea are said to be very keen on signing Riyad Mahrez, just a day after landing N’Golo Kante from Leicester City. According to the reports, Arsenal and Chelsea are the likeliest destinations for the player. The Algerian is said to have rejected Leicester City’s offer of a new contract, preferring to leave the club this summer.
He has been linked with PSG as well, but in April, he confirmed he will not like to return to France. And knowing Arsenal, if they are the only competition for Chelsea, Blues fans can start partying now! Wenger is unlikely to beat Chelsea or any other club for that matter in a bidding war. The Frenchman does not do bidding wars; it is now considered to be a fact rather than just speculation.
However, if Chelsea sign Mahrez, where exactly will he play? Could it be that he is coming to replace someone in the current Chelsea team? Willian has been linked with a move to Manchester United, as has Fabregas. Both are said to be wanted by Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. Although I don’t see the Brazilian leaving, as he only recently signed a new contract with the Blues, I won’t be surprised if I find out the only reason why Chelsea are interested in Mahrez is because they are open to selling Fabregas.
The Spaniard was average for the bulk of last season and he doesn’t appear to me like a player Antonio Conte will like to work with. Conte’s midfielders are known to be workaholics and unfortunately, Fabregas is not known for his work ethic.
The versatility of Mahrez would be helpful for Chelsea if they end up getting him ahead of Arsenal or any other club that may be interested. He can play on both the left and the right flank as well as operating as a box-to-box midfielder or ‘in the hole’ behind the striker.
He scored 17 goals and created 11 assists last season for Leicester City, which evidence of how good he is.
