Arsenal have renewed their interest in Riyad Mahrez, according to the Daily Mirror.

• Mahrez could be a replacement for Alexis or Ozil
• Arsenal were interested last summer
• Arsenal have also been linked with Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Milan’s Carlos Bacca

In a rather throwaway line in a report about Alexis’ and Ozil’s contracts, the Daily Mirror claim that Arsenal could be interested in Mahrez “at the right price”.

The article didn’t state what that price could be.

The Daily Express and The Metro have since written up full stories about this interest, with both articles citing the Mirror as the original source.

Arsenal were heavily linked with Mahrez last summer. The former PFA Player of the Year was a hot commodity then, having helped Leicester City to an unlikely title win.

However, Mahrez signed a new deal with Leicester and that was the end of it.

Since then, he’s had a disappointing season, not even coming close to the form that made him worth £40 million.

Leicester are obviously keen to hold on to the player and believe Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football next year will deter him from forcing a move.

I have my doubts that this story has any legs.

The reports also claim Arsenal have an interest in Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca.