Arsenal are weighing up a move for FC Porto winger Yacine Brahimi, who recently turned a free agent after running down his contract with the Portuguese side.
The north London side are in talks with the Algerian International, but the negotiations are far from complete, according to a report from Sky Sports.
The 29-year-old has a stellar campaign for Porto, finishing the season with 10 goals in the league – his best return for the club.
Despite his impressive performances, Brahimi couldn’t help his side retain their league title as they finished second and behind eventual champions Benfica.
Brahimi scored 13 goals managed 9 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions last season.
Yacine Brahimi would be a smashing addition to Arsenal
Brahimi is a versatile forward who predominantly features as a left-winger, but can feature as an attacking midfielder as well.
The Algerian International, who is known for his trickery and ability to go past defenders, would add the missing spark to the Gunners’ attack.
The 29-year old managed 2.7 dribbles, 1.4 long balls and 1.5 shots per game across all competitions last season – stats that highlight his confidence with the ball at his feet.
Brahimi’s dribbling ability can be judged by the fact that in 2013/14 season at Granada, he finished the season as the top dribbler in La Liga, leaving Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo behind in the process. That takes some doing.
The Algerian’s close control and ability to keep possession in tight spaces are his strengths. He is technically astute and a decent passer of the ball as well.
The former Rennes starlet managed to hit the double-digit mark despite playing mainly as a winger, so he would take the scoring pressure off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s shoulders.
However, the 29-year-old’s defensive contribution isn’t the best, and that’s something he will have to work on if he moves to the Emirates.
The Algerian’s free-agent status is what makes him a very prospective player for the Gunners as they don’t have the biggest budget to work with this summer.
Unai Emery has a transfer budget of just £40 million as his side failed to qualify for the Champions League last season. Considering Brahimi is a free agent, the Gunners should do everything to sign him.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored