Lemar vs Mahrez: A Statistical Comparison Between Two Of Arsenal’s Prime Targets

Arsenal’s 2016-17 Premier League campaign ended in disappointment as the Gunners failed to secure a ‘top four’ finish. They missed out on a place in the Champions League for the first time in two decades. Although they clinched the FA Cup title for a record 13th time by defeating bitter rivals as well as English Champions Chelsea, the new contract extension of their manager Arsene Wenger has generated an outrage among the fan-base.

The Gunners boss, however, is confident of an upsurge, despite fears of losing Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil – two of Arsenal’s superstars who have not yet extended their contract which runs out next summer. Wenger is not baffled about the situation though and is desperate to acquire his transfer targets who he believes will help his side in achieving their lost status in the forthcoming season.

The Gunners have already secured a deal for former Schalke left back Sead Kolasinac on a Bosman transfer and French international Alexandre Lacazette – the Olympic Lyon forward who is set to join them for club record £52.7million (add-ons included) fee. Also, they are looking to add a prolific wingman amidst the uncertainty regarding Sanchez’s future and have been linked with Leicester City superstar Riyad Mahrez as well as Monaco sensation Thomas Lemar in recent weeks.

Mahrez, a proven name in Premier League circuit, had a dispiriting Premier League campaign for Leicester City, particularly after guiding them to the miraculous league title win in 2015/16 season. He was awarded the Premier League Player of the Year award for his stellar show and despite interests from European heavyweights, the Algerian attacker opted to stay with the Foxes for the 2016-17 season. But he failed to match his excellence last term and is now open to a move to the North Londoners.

Lemar, on the other hand, earned high acknowledgements for AS Monaco and played a key role in their Ligue1 winning campaign. The 21-year old French international earned a regular status for his current employers since his move from Caen a couple of years back. However, the Gunners are not the only side pursuing his signing; If reports are believed to be true, Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring his situation.

Lemar and Mahrez, both left-footed, are known for their goal scoring attributes along with dribbling skills, cut insides, passing, shooting and set-piece expertise. Lemar predominantly operates from left wing whereas Mahrez explores the other flank.

Mahrez, who significantly trumped Lemar in 2015/16 campaign, in almost every attacking aspect, had a dispirited display last season and despite Leicester’s praiseworthy run in prestigious the Champions League tournament, their league catastrophe allowed Lemar to outstrip the Algerian in comparison matrix.

Here we can see the statistical comparison between the two players for the previous 2 league campaigns.

Mahrez vs Lemar: 2015/16 Campaign

Mahrez vs Lemar: 2016/17 Campaign

Yet, Mahrez is an experienced Premier League star whose quality can not be disregarded for one average campaign. He will be a massive transfer boost for the Gunners if the deal takes place. Lemar, too, is a gifted starlet who has a bright future ahead of him. Wenger should sincerely choose his option despite the selection quandary and must build a squad that will help him achieve his season goals in an apparent ‘make or break’ season.