In less than a year Riyad Mahrez morphed from a fringe player squad fighting relegation to the PFA Player of the Year for the Premier League champions.

Mahrez was largely responsible for complete metamorphosis that occurred in Leicester City this season. His ability to stretch the defence and create goals on the right wing has English clubs salivating.

The race to lure Mahrez from Leicester is seemingly down to two clubs. Several reports have linked the Algerian with Arsenal. But Monday morning gave other hints, whether valid or not, that Chelsea may be Mahrez' landing place, after the brand tweeted a picture of a Chelsea jersey with "Mahrez" printed on the back.

Whether the Adidas gaffe serves as an omen or not, Mahrez should join Chelsea over Arsenal.

Manager Antonio Conte relies on his midfield heavily, employing as many as five midfielders at a time. Mahrez's propensity to remain on the wing and stretch defences would free up more space in the midfield. It would also give Mahrez plenty of 1-on-1 chances at goal.

If Mahrez wants to win another Premier League title, he should join Chelsea over Arsenal, and her are five reasons why...

Conte's formation

Oscar divulged to the media that Chelsea have been practicing a 4-2-4 formation. If there is credence in Oscar's statement, Conte will rely heavily on wingers to supplement the attack by staying wide and providing service into the box.

Riyad Mahrez shined for Leicester City in a similar role this season. He was most dangerous during 1-on-1 opportunities, where he could cut to his left foot and finish or cross.

Traditionally, Conte employs a 3-5-2 formation, highlighting versatile midfielders as the key to its success. As important as centre midfielders are in Conte's formation, wingers play a vital role in maintaining shape and providing scoring opportunities.

At the heart of Conte's teams is an emphasis on possession and defence. But they score, too. Conte's Juventus teams led Serie A in goals for two of his most recent three seasons, a feat that should entice Mahrez.

More opportunity

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have a plethora of options in midfield and out wide. The Gunners' midfield is more solidified than the Blues, however, and provide more competition for Mahrez.

Arsenal have Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Granit Xhaka as sure participants in the starting 11. Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Santi Cazorla will all fight for playing time.

Chelsea have several quality midfielders vying for a starting spot, but they show the same consistency as Arsenal's.

Mahrez would likely compete against Willian and Pedro for playing time on the right wing. Willian was one of Chelsea's most consistent options last year but only scored five goals, and a hamstring injury cut Pedro's season short.

Meanwhile, Mahrez, registered 17 goals and 11 assists en route to winning PFA Player of the Year.

Rapport with Kante

A few years ago, Kante and Mahrez played against each other in France's second tier. Fast forward to 2015-16, and the duo led Leicester City to the Premier League title.

Kante and Mahrez were two of the top players in the league last season. Mahrez's crafty footwork on the right touchline aided the attack that N'Golo Kante helped build from defensive midfield.

Kante left Leicester for Chelsea last weekend and he and Mahrez could continue their long history of playing on the same pitch if the Algerian switches to Stamford Bridge...

Winning manager

Antonio Conte hasn't lost on the club circuit for quite some time. He led Juventus to three straight titles from 2011-2014 before assuming a full-time role as manager of the Italy national team.

In his first season with Juventus, Conte led his squad to the first unbeaten season in 20 years. Expecting the Italian manager to produce a similar, unblemished result in his first season at Stamford Bridge is a bit too ambitious, but he will compete for the crown.

Arsene Wenger has enjoyed sustained success with Arsenal. His teams finish in the top five every season, but the Gunners haven't won a title in 12 years, and every year they fail to close it out.

Improve overall game

 

If there has ever been a flaw in Mahrez' repertoire, it's his defence— or lack of.

The Algerian is renowned as a an attack-minded, crafty playmaker on the right wing. There usually isn't mentioning of his defencive abilities.

Anyone that plays for Antonio Conte, even strikers and wingers, must show concerted efforts to defend. His Juventus and Italy squads have predicated their style of play out of a smothering defensive approach from all sides of the field.

Conte will improve Mahrez' defending, which is just another reason he should switch to Chelsea.