It’s looking like ex-Porto winger Yacine Brahimi could well be Arsenal’s first signing of the summer, so what do Gunners fans need to know about the 29-year-old?
Like many young French players, the midfielder started out life at the famed Clairefontaine youth academy, where Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was also a graduate.
After failing to make the breakthrough at Paris Saint-Germain, Brahimi made the choice to switch to Stade Rennais in order to further his career.
The move paid off as he made his way through the club’s under 19 and B teams before progressing to the first team setup.
Brahimi actually made his senior debut out on loan at Ligue Two side Clermont Foot Auvergne during the 2009/10 season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 32 games.
After impressing, he was given the chance in Rennes’ first team during the following campaign, going on to make 54 appearances for the Ligue One outfit.
A move to Spain in 2012 led to bigger clubs taking notice of his talents. After a season on loan with Granada followed by another year as a permanent signing, Brahimi then moved on to Porto for €6.5m in July 2014.
The transfer came off the back of his performances for Algeria at the 2014 World Cup. After being born in France and playing for their youth teams up until the Under 21s, it was only when he was 23 that he chose to change allegiance.
Brahimi scored one goal and provided one assist in three group stage matches in Brazil, impressing with his direct running and his dribbling ability from a number 10 role.
Following his switch to Porto, though, most of his appearances for the Portuguese club have been on the left wing, but he has occasionally played more centrally or from the right-hand side.
Brahimi racked up 215 appearances during his time in Portugal, averaging a goal or an assist every two games. He has left Porto in search for a new challenge, and the fact that he is available on a free transfer is likely the biggest reason why Arsenal are considering making a move him.
Reports suggest the Gunners have yet to agree personal terms with the Algerian international, with their being suggestions that the player is demanding a £3.6m signing on fee. Whether the London club will agree to that, we shall have to find out.
