Arsenal could turn to Riyad Mahrez should they fail to sign Monaco’s Thomas Lemar.

• Arsenal have had a bid rejected for Lemar
• Monaco are unwilling to sell the 21-year-old
• Mahrez is seen as a back-up option

According to reports in France, Arsenal bid more than £30m for Lemar, but that has been rejected by Monaco. It’s believed the Ligue 1 side are very reluctant to sell Lemar after losing a host of their best players this summer.

While Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer, they have a contingency plan. And according to the Telegraph, that plan is Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian international wants to leave Leicester this summer and has interest from Arsenal.

Arsenal wanted to sign him last summer, but Mahrez had promised Leicester another season while they were in the Champions League. The only obstacle to Mahrez leaving now would be his price tag, which is said to be around £50m.

It’s believed Arsenal would be reluctant to pay that much for the winger. Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see that Arsenal have a back-up plan in case they can’t secure their top targets.