Arsenal will bid for Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez in January, according to a report in France, however, the reliability of that report is questionable.

Le Buteur write that Mahrez’s recent form has impressed the Gunners, and they plan to make an offer as a result.

They also write that the new offer will be larger than the one Arsenal made over the summer.

The reason the report doesn’t seem particularly reliable is that last part.

As far as we know, Wenger didn’t make any bids for the Algerian in the summer window.

In July, Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare said they hadn’t received any offers for the player. In August, the Wenger said they were “never close” to signing Mahrez in the window.

Not everything a manager says should be taken as gospel. But I believe the two managers in this case, because Mahrez seemed so keen to leave. The 26-year-old even missed a World Cup qualifier to try and formalise a move away.

If Arsenal did make a bid, and the winger was that set on leaving, you’d think the two clubs would find an agreement. Mahrez admitted he didn’t know what happened between Arsenal and Leicester.

So if Le Buteur are wrong about the summer offer, I’m not sure we should assume they’re right this time.

Mahrez is in great form, with seven goals and six assists this season, but for now, there’s nothing concrete to confirm Arsenal’s interest.