Arsenal plot transfers of Riyad Mahrez and Alexandre Lacazette for combined £75million

Riyad Mahrez

Arsenal are lining up a £75million double deal that would bring Riyad Mahrez and Alexandre Lacazette to the Emirates.

Manager Arsene Wenger wants to bolster his attack after a lack of goals cost his team dearly in last season's battle to be champions.

The Gunners eventually finished as runners-up to Mahrez's Leicester, and now Wenger wants to ensure they make a sustained challenge for their first Premier League title since 2004 this season.

Winger Mahrez, voted Player of the Year by footballers' union the PFA last season, and Lyon striker Lacazette are top of Wenger’s wanted list.

The Algeria international was on Spanish champions Barcelona's radar this summer, but it is thought he would prefer to stay in England.

France international Lacazette, also 25, has been lethal in Ligue 1 and Wenger had a meeting with his agent during the European Championship this summer.

France international Lacazette

Wenger wants to bring in new blood ahead of the Premier League opener with Liverpool, a match where he could be without FIVE recognised first-team players.

Danny Welbeck is out injured until 2017, while Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey have been given extended breaks following runs to at least the semis of Euro 2016 with their countries.

There is also a question mark against the availability of Alexis Sanchez, who picked up an ankle problem as he helped Chile retain their Copa America crown this summer.