Arsene Wenger seems like a man on a mission, having signed a two-year extension with the Gunners. The Frenchman is reportedly looking to bolster his frontline and is said to be interested in the FC Porto forward, Yacine Brahimi.
Wenger is much aware of Arsenal’s dependency on the Chilean forward, Alexis Sanchez, when it comes to scoring goals and providing the creative spark. Sanchez scored as many goals as Welbeck, Walcott and Giroud combined in the Premier League (24) this past season.
The 27-year old has two years left on his contract and according to tabloid reports, FC Porto are ready to offload the player at a price of £31m as the Portuguese club are strapped for cash.
The Algerian international has certainly shown flair and glimpses of his potential in the past season with Porto.
Player stats
The 27-year old made 31 appearances with Porto last season, going on to score 7 and assisting 3 in the process. Not a regular on the first team sheet, the player struggled with his form and fitness many a time this past season.
The player has a pass success rate of 79.6% and has also made a total of 30 key passes for his team. Certainly not short of creativity and flair in the final third, the player has the potential to be lethal upfront.
The Algerian also has an average of two shots on target each game and more importantly, is versatile and can play anywhere up front, be it a winger on either side or as a false nine.
Although possessing the right amount of flair and temperament the player does lack in certain skills. His poor crossing technique and finishing ability have drawn him some flak from the fans and experts and he definitely needs further improvement. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the club?
The player, although having the potential, is still has a long way to go from becoming Premier League material. Wenger is certainly desperate for a Premier League, something that has been eluding him since 2005, and he needs to bring in consistent and potent forwards if he wants to do the same.
At 27, Algerian hardly has time on his hands to turn it around and Premier League would give him even lesser time in settling him in. All in all, it does seem a tricky investment and would hardly be a statement from Wenger.
Worth the money?
Not at all! Being valued at £31m it would be a huge gamble for someone who is already 27 and is unproven in foreign shores.
Although it is impossible to predict what Wenger has in mind, if the gaffer thinks he could forge the Algerian into his set up, he might take the huge gamble.
