Arsenal set to sign “technically gifted” winger for free after initial transfer talks

Arsenal are weighing up a free transfer move for FC Porto’s Yacine Brahimi, and they’ve held initial talks with the player’s representatives, according to reports.

The Mirror report that Brahimi is planning to run down his contract with Porto, meaning he will be a free agent this summer. Premier League clubs are, therefore, already free to speak to him over signing a pre-contract agreement.

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Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton are among the clubs to have held initial talks with the 28-year-old’s representatives. Arsenal are particularly keen on the idea of bringing a player in a problem position in on a free transfer, considering the Gunners’ limited transfer budget as things stand.

Inter Milan are a step ahead of the Premier League trio right now, as they’ve reportedly already offered Brahimi a deal.

Brahimi is having a very good season for Porto, with seven goals and six assists in 25 matches. That includes a couple of assists in five Champions League starts, as the Portuguese club won their group.

Brahimi’s best attributes are his dribbling, his through balls and his passing, though he doesn’t provide anything much in the way of defensive contribution. His finishing is also a bit inconsistent, even if he’s on a great goalscoring run at the moment, with four goals in six games.

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Arsenal could use a winger in the current squad. There are a few youth prospects coming up, like Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka and Xavier Amaechi, but they’ll take time to adapt to senior football. Perhaps a 28-year-old Brahimi in his peak could fill the gap until they’re ready. We’ll see.