Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Petr Cech, Yacine Brahimi, Nacho Rumours

Paris Saint-Germain have ended their pursuit of Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech because he's destined to sign for Arsenal.

"L'Equipe say that PSG won't be getting Cech, despite them fancying the idea of signing him, because he's going to Arsenal and a deal is close," reads Sport Witness' translation.

Cech previously admitted moving away from London "brings difficulties" to his family, who are settled in the English capital. Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph reported the stopper's comments:

"

I will decide based on what for me and my family was the best and it does not matter whether it is England, Germany, France and Spain.

Next week we will have a meeting with Chelsea when the situation is clearer and all the cards are on the table. If I move, it brings difficulties. I must change everything, looking for housing, a school for children and so on.

"

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Joining Arsenal would be a logistical success for Cech and undoubtedly a coup for the Gunners.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho doesn't want the player to depart, let alone join a Premier League competitor, reported by David Hytner of the Guardian: "For me, decision number one, Petr will stay," said Mourinho. "After that, second point, to go but not in England. The option I don't want is for him to go to an English club."

BT Sport also recently tweeted further comment from the Portuguese boss:

Cech has earned the right to choose his next club after providing Chelsea with a decade of top-quality service. He has remained the backbone of the side's successful transition into the Roman Abramovich era, winning 15 trophies during his west London tenure.

Thibaut Courtois' ascension at Stamford Bridge had been a long time coming before the 2014-15 season, so Cech is unlikely to be surprised by his recent time on the bench.

He is more than capable of becoming a key leader at Arsenal, who have struggled to find a dominant 'keeper over the last few years. Neither David Ospina nor Wojciech Szczesny possesses the consistency to lead a Gunners title charge.

Porto Price Arsenal Out of Brahimi Move?

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TalkSPORT (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star) suggests Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also interested in signing Porto livewire Yacine Brahimi. However, a hefty fee of £40 million signals Porto have "slammed the door shut" on the possibility of him leaving after Arsenal "made contact," per Williams.

Wenger recently admitted he isn't looking to spend "stratospheric" cash on individuals this summer, per John Cross of the Mirror. However, he previously dropped £42.5 million on Mesut Ozil and approximately £35 million on Alexis Sanchez. Brahimi scored 13 in 41 appearances during the 2014-15 campaign, recorded by Williams, and could offer exciting quality to the English side.

The Algerian is pacey, technical on the ball and an extremely crafty worker no matter where he is deployed. He can roam in central midfield or play from the left flank, offering flamboyant displays due to his natural confidence. The 25-year-old is also a deadly set-piece taker, as highlighted below:

Football writer Jan Hagen reports recent comments from Brahimi, as well as details on his current contract from O Jogo:

Wenger possesses plenty of versatile players, but he may be tempted by the breadth of Brahimi's qualities. A £40 million transfer would be excessive, though.

Nacho Staying at Real Madrid

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Jose Felix Diaz of Marca reports Arsenal are among the clubs to have contacted Jose Segui, the agent of Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez. However, Diaz indicates new Los Blancos boss Rafa Benitez has told the 25-year-old defender he will remain at the Bernabeu next season.

Nacho made just five La Liga starts during '14-15, per WhoScored.com. He is often overlooked at Madrid, where he has remained since 2011. It's difficult to suggest he will become a first-team regular under Benitez, who will try to tighten the side's defence up, but he at least now has the opportunity to impress the new manager.

Arsenal are well-equipped for centre-backs, having signed Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal in January. Nacho could provide an option at right-back, but he's unlikely to remain a key target for the Gunners. B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed other potential low-key signings for Wenger:

The Gunners boss should prioritise snapping Cech up before addressing other needs within his squad. The Czech Republic international's arrival would be one of the summer's best bargain captures and could play a significant role in Arsenal finding success.

Brahimi is too expensive at the aforementioned price and Nacho isn't worth the trouble. Wenger has an exciting squad already at his disposal, but he needs to round it off with one or two additional trump cards.