Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to Riyad Mahrez ahead of their Premier League meeting this weekend.
Mahrez, who recently signed a new deal with the Premier League champions, was previously linked with a possible move to Arsenal which Wenger refused to confirm this week.
The seasoned Arsenal manager opted to emphasise the threat that Mahrez presents for his team as they go in search of their first Premier League points of the season.
Commenting on Mahrez, who scored 17 goals last year, Wenger said:
"He has been outstanding. If you look at his numbers, certainly he was in the top three in the league last year. If you consider the number of goals and assists he had, he had the best combination in the league."
Arsenal were also rejected by Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, a decision which Wenger said they respected:
"When you go for somebody you want him to join you but you have to respect the decision, we are all professional people.What matters is that once you commit somewhere you give 100 per cent, that is what it is to be professional, he has decided to stay at Leicester and I respect that fully."
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