Yacine Brahimi has been linked with a move to the Premier League for years.
It’s perhaps no exaggeration to say around half of England’s top flight have been linked at some stage, with West Ham and Everton the clubs having the most interest attributed to them.
He’s now a free agent after seeing his contract with FC Porto expire, and can use that status to fulfil a long term aim to move to English football.
The Algerian is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations, and it’s thought no announcement will be made on his future until after the tournament, or at least until his country’s involvement in it ends.
Algerian source La Gazette du Fennec reports he’s in ‘very advanced negotiations’ to join Arsenal. He’s looking for a big contract, but would come with no transfer fee for Unai Emery’s side.
Brahimi is said to have been studying offers from Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, yet he prefers the Premier League option for both sporting and financial reasons, so this would give Arsenal an advantage.
La Gazette du Fennec say the information has come from a source close to the player.
Patrick Vieira’s Nice are also thought to be interested.
Whether this is the real deal, or Arsenal are being used to pressure the other clubs to up their offers, remains to be seen.
Yacine Brahimi is 29 years of age, and last season he scored 13 goals and made 9 assists in 49 matches for Porto, playing an attacking role on the left.
