Arsenal Want Algerian Winger Yacine Brahimi

Arsenal are targeting an automatic Champions League spot next season and want to sign Yacine Brahimi to aid in that regard.

The Algerian will be a free agent this June having refused to sign an extended contract over Porto’s reluctance to grant his pay rise request.

Everton have been in pole position to land the playmaker’s signature last week but that seems to have been toppled by a more ambitious Arsenal.

Valued in excess of €26M, the 28-year-old could have been plying his trade in the English Premier League if he had not turned his back on a bid lodged by the Toffees two years ago.

Porto’s assurance of Champions League football swayed his decision to stay put which Arsenal appear to be the sole suitor to provide that, putting Everton at a disadvantage.

Arsenal are on a terrific run in front of goal with Aubameyang plundering scoring goals, game in game out. The addition of former the Portuguese League’s best player will enrich Unai Emery’s options going forward.

Porto will be unwilling sellers if any side matches their price having seen the winger dig his heels throughout their negotiations to get him signing a renewed contract.

Newcastle United have made overtures too having sent their ubiquitous scouts to assess the Desert Foxes’ star man.