According to reports, Arsenal could pursue FC Porto star Yacine Brahimi in the summer transfer window.
Brahimi, 28, netted 12 goals and provided a further 10 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions this past season as Porto won the league title under Sergio Conceicao.
After spending four years at Porto, the Algerian now reportedly wants to leave Portugal and try his luck in the Premier League. But should Arsenal make a move for Brahimi?
The Gunners are now under new manager Unai Emery after Arsene Wenger decided to step down from his post after 22 long years at the club. Emery, who has a proven European pedigree, has already signed Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer from Juventus.
Arsenal leaked over 50 goals in the Premier League this past season and Emery should add a couple of more defenders, despite landing Lichtsteiner.
Per Mertesacker will be joining Arsenal’s academy next season while Laurent Koscielny is set to miss the start of 2018/19 campaign due to a knee injury. So, it’s a no-brainer for Emery to strengthen his side’s defence in the summer.
A defensive midfielder should also be on Emery’s priority list, with Mohamed Elneny being the only recognised holding midfielder in the squad. The Gunners have a plethora of central midfielders but none in the mould of a cultured defensive midfielder.
In terms of the team’s attacking options, Emery has a rich vein of talented forwards, who are both pacey and creative enough to rip apart opposition defences.
The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Danny Welbeck, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil all make Arsenal’s attack a complete unit. That being said; it would be wise for Emery to not splash the cash on an attacking player.
Brahimi would undoubtedly add goals and invention to Arsenal’s attack but there will be concerns about where he would fit into Emery’s XI next season.
Will it be wise for the Gunners to sign Brahimi, especially as the club are in desperate need of a new centre-back and a holding midfielder?
The Algerian international, who has been a star performer for Porto for a number of seasons, would definitely not come cheap. But the wide-man has just over 12 months left on his current deal at Porto, which could put the Portuguese giants under pressure to sell the player in a lowered price this summer.
Brahimi is a fantastic dribbler, who is capable of giving the opposition defenders a tough time in one-on-one situations. His pace and creativity should see him hit the ground running in the Premier League. However, Emery must not consider bringing the Porto ace to the Emirates, even if he is backed with substantial funds this summer.
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