Arsenal Transfer News: Latest on Yacine Brahimi and Shkodran Mustafi Rumours

Arsenal will reportedly turn to Porto winger Yacine Brahimi in an attempt to add to their creative options, having missed out on Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.

That’s according to Tom Hopkinson of the Sunday Mirror, who has stated Brahimi would be available for transfer should a side bid £40 million for his services. While Liverpool and Chelsea are also linked, it’s suggested “Wenger has been alerted to his availability after Mahrez penned a new four-year Foxes deal.”

Speculation about a possible transfer for Brahimi was fuelled in midweek as he was left out of the team’s UEFA Champions League qualifier with Roma. 

The Algerian has been one of the star performers in Portuguese football since he moved to Porto in 2014. Here is a glimpse of what he can bring to a side when he’s at full flight:

While it’s mooted the 26-year-old is an alternative for Mahrez, Brahimi is a different kind of player to his compatriot. The Porto man is typically at his best when stationed on the left flank, able to burst past defenders with his searing pace on the outside or float inside to link up with midfielders.

His main asset is very quick feet, meaning Brahimi is able to glide past his marker with ease. As these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate, the Porto man has proven he can reproduce these skills at the top level too:

It’s difficult to see quite where Brahimi would fit in at the Emirates Stadium, though. Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Mahrez did seem to make a degree of sense, as he’d be capable of occupying the right-midfield spot, where manager Arsene Wenger struggled to find a consistent presence last term.

Brahimi can play on that flank, although his influence would be lessened as a result. It’s tough to see him ousting Alexis Sanchez from his best role on the left. As such, the Gunners could potentially use £40 million to land a more appropriate player for the squad.

Arsene Wenger Confirms Shkodran Mustafi Talks

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Speaking to French TV station SFR Sport (h/t Tom Dutton of the Evening Standard), Wenger admitted he is hopeful the club can clinch a deal for Valencia centre-back Shkodran Mustafi.

“Mustafi? We hope it will be done,” said the Gunners boss after the 0-0 draw with Leicester City. “We are struggling to find the players we need. … [Mustafi] is one of a number of players we are looking at. Negotiations are ongoing.”

It’s a deal that Arsenal fans have hoped to see completed for a while, with the team struggling for numbers at the back. Laurent Koscielny boosted the side’s defensive options at the King Power Stadium, although an experienced partner is lacking, with Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker both injured.

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Mustafi, one of La Liga’s best defenders, would make a significant difference to the Arsenal side. According to the Daily Mirror’s Ed Malyon, despite his pedigree Valencia are very keen to move the centre-back on:

The Germany international would be a fine partner for Koscielny. Mustafi has the potential to be a complete centre-back, as he’s strong in the air, sharp in defence and willing to put his body on the line to keep opponents out. The robust nature of English football would complement his playing style perfectly.

Those who frequent the Emirates will be delighted to hear the club are in talks over a potential transfer, although they’ll be keen to see it wrapped up ahead of what promises to be a difficult trip to face Watford in their next Premier League outing.