Arsenal and Everton are reportedly interested in securing the services of Porto attacker Yacine Brahimi.
Portuguese newspaper outlet A Bola have claimed in their Friday report that Arsenal and Everton are eyeing a deal for Porto’s star attacker Yacine Brahimi. The report has added that the player is desperate for a move to the illustrious and eye-catching Premier League as Arsenal and Everton prepare to battle for the attacking midfielder’s signature.
The Algerian international came to the fore with his performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which earned him a transfer to FC Porto from Liga BBVA outfit Granada. The 26-year-old has managed to play 86 competitive games for the Portuguese side in his two seasons at the club, with an impressive return of 22 goals and 20 assists to show for his efforts (stats via transfermarkt).
The 26-year-old represented France at all age levels before opting to represent Algeria where he has made 28 appearances for their senior squad scoring 7 goals in the process.
Yacine Brahimi can play across the pitch at all three attacking positions – left wing, right wing and central attacking midfield – with a slight preference to play on the left
Brahimi has since attracted interest from a host of Premier League clubs with Liverpool being the first club in the summer to establish contact with Porto in an attempt to secure a deal for the 26-year-old. Chelsea had reportedly stolen a march on the Reds and were rumoured to be in the lead to sign the Algerian International, but a deal has since failed to take shape.
Now, as per A Bola, it is Arsenal and Everton who are interested in the 26-year-old with the report stating that Everton are slightly ahead of Arsenal but that they are watchful of any developments on the player’s front and could swoop in, if they so desire.
The report also stated that Brahimi dreams of playing in the Premier League and is desperate to secure a move to England. It may, perhaps, have something to do with fellow Algerian international Riyad Mahrez’s rise to fame in the Premier League.
Mahrez had joined the Foxes from lowly Le Havre, who ply their trade in France’s second division and has quickly gone on to become one of the most sought-after players in the world. Mahrez was one of the main reasons for Leicester’s unlikely Premier League triumph last season.
It remains to be seen whether Brahimi’s wish of playing in the Premier League will be granted before the end of the summer transfer window but one thing looks certain, between Arsenal and Everton, any club that does opt to sign the 26-year-old would not be disappointed by the transfer in the long run.
