Arsenal open talks with Brahimi amid big hurdles

Arsenal have opened talks with Algerian winger Yacine Brahimi but there are many hurdles to cross, DZ Football understands.

Brahimi’s contract expired today with FC Porto after five years the club and the 29-year-old is looking for a new challenge.

The left winger, who is renowned for his dribbling ability (as well as holding onto the ball for too long) has been linked with a whole host of clubs across the European continent.

There are a few complications regarding any potential deal however. Although Brahimi would cost nothing as a free transfer, he is demanding a £3.5million signing on fee that has already put off Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Furthermore, Brahimi has third party ownership so negotiations would have to keep all parties satisfied. French clubs Marseille and OGC Nice have been linked but the player’s preference is not to return to France since leaving Rennes. 

Brahimi is currently in Egypt on international duty with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations where the Desert Foxes have won their group.

Fellow Premier League sides Wolves, West Ham and Everton have also expressed an interest in the player. Arsenal’s only previous Algerian international footballer has been Ismael Bennacer. Follow all the Algerian transfers news in English this summer with DZ Football.