Arsenal transfer rumour: Arsene Wenger wants Riyad Mahrez as Gunners open talks with winger

Arsene Wenger is the most active manager in the transfer market at the moment and is set to continue his pursuit of players without wasting any time. Arsenal have already completed the signing of Granit Xhaka and it is expected that Jamie Vardy will be the next arrival before the end of the week. Riyad Mahrez is said to follow with the Gunners set to be in talks with the Algeria international.

According to the Sun, the north London club have opened talks with the 2015/16 campaign's player of the year winner with Wenger keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium to pair him with teammate Vardy, who is said to be close to agreeing a deal with Arsenal, after they triggered his £20m ($28.7m) release clause on Friday.

The French manager is a big admirer of Mahrez, who signed for Leicester City for just £400,000 from Le Havre during the 2014 January transfer window, and was one of the key factors in helping the Foxes win the Premier League title last season. According to the Sun, the Gunners are shocked at the value of the midfielder's release clause and are keen to exploit it and bring him to north London.

The 25-year-old's departure combined with Vardy's exit will be a big blow to Claudio Ranieri, who is hoping to keep his entire squad together as they prepare to make their debut in the Champions League next season. The duo contributed 41 goals out of the 68 Leicester scored in the league last season and provided 18 assists as well, and their departure could have a telling blow on the Foxes' performance in the Premier League and in Europe next season.

The arrival of Mahrez, meanwhile, could put Theo Walcott's future at Arsenal in doubt after the winger fell out of favour at the club this season. The England international had a dismal season in terms of performance and goals, which saw Alex Iwobi and Joel Campbell move ahead of him in the pecking order for a place on the flanks. West Ham United have been credited with interest and the forward could move on after 10 years at the north London club.