Arsenal Transfer News: Yacine Brahimi Targeted in Latest Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly identified FC Porto winger Yacine Brahimi as an option to replace Alexis Sanchez.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola (h/t The Sun's Richard Forrester), the Frenchman is eyeing up the Algeria international, with Sanchez set to depart either in January or upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.

Forrester added the 27-year-old will be in the final year of his contract come the end of the season, which could make Porto more amenable to letting him go in order to recoup something on him.

However, as A Bola also reported, the club is attempting to do something about that (h/t Portuguese football expert Jan Hagen):

"

After a fantastic start to the season, Porto have started negotiations with Yacine Brahimi over a new deal, according to A Bola. The Algerian's current contract expires in 2019. pic.twitter.com/cffdsmDV1I

— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) November 11, 2017"

Brahimi has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, with four goals and as many assists to his name in all competitions.

He's a versatile operator in the final third, as he can play on either flank or centrally in attacking midfield.

Brahimi is undoubtedly a player of great ability, but he has had issues with showing that consistently during his career and hits the heights he's capable of too infrequently.

He was recently named Porto Player of the Year for 2017, though, and been nominated as a candidate for African Player of the Year, per Squawka News:

While that could suggest he is performing well on a more regular basis, he still doesn't leap out as a a player who could replace Sanchez.

Finding someone to fill the Chilean's boots will be difficult, and it's possible the Gunners won't be able to bring in someone of the same calibre. Sanchez scored 30 times last season, and Brahimi has only reached double figures once in his career.

Given Brahimi's age, he's unlikely to get any better, and he's shown little to suggest he could bridge the goalscoring gap between the two.

Arsenal would perhaps be better off looking elsewhere.