Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez has revealed that he could have signed for Arsenal prior to his switch to the Etihad in 2018.
Speaking to France Football (quotes translated by The Mirror), the Algerian international said he was left “really frustrated” after failing to secure a move immediately after winning the Premier League with Leicester:
“After the title [win with Leicester], if I’d left for a top team, it wouldn’t have been the same story. For me, it’s clear that I lost two years at the highest level. I lost two years! Because instead of arriving at City at 27, I could have been there at 24, 25.”
“Leicester blocked me. They told me: ‘You’re not leaving, you’re not leaving’. My agent had spoken to [Arsene] Wenger who really wanted me. It was nearly all done with Arsenal in 2016. I was really frustrated.”
Things worked out for Mahrez
While the forward seems to regret not having left Leicester sooner, it should be pointed out that he wouldn’t have won the trophies he did if he hadn’t waited for City’s approach.
Mahrez sealed a £60m transfer in the summer of 2018 and then had five successful seasons in Manchester, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three Carabao Cups, the Community Shield and the Champions League.
City already have his successor at the club
Savinho has started his career at the Etihad very impressively and comparisons have already been made between the Brazilian and Mahrez. In fact, the former City player even mentioned the similarities on social media.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Savinho will turn out to be just as successful signing. Mahrez contributed massively to City’s success after his move, racking up double figures for goals in all five campaigns he spent with the club.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
