Said Benrahma played a key role in helping Brentford reach the Championship Playoff finals last season (Getty Images)
According to French publication Foot Mercato (h/t Daily Express), Arsenal have expressed interest in Brentford star Said Benrahma.
The 24-year-old winger has been a standout performer for Premier League hopefuls Brentford, with 10 goals and 8 assists in 34 Championship matches this season. Having joined Brentford from Ligue 1 side Nice in 2018 for a mere £1.5million, Benrahma has evolved into one of the first names in the team sheet in such a short period of time.
He is currently his side’s top-assist provider in the league. He has managed 21 goals and 25 assists in 79 appearances across all competitions since arriving at Griffin Park.
With many of the top English sides now waiting in queue for their sought-out star, Brentford have slapped a £35million price tag for his signature.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are on the lookout for new reinforcements after their dismal show in the league this season. Arsenal have dropped to a lowly 9th this season, mainly due to the side’s defensive lapses.
Considering the side’s performance in the league this season, a new winger is not what the side needs at the moment. They already brought Nicolas Pepe from Lille last season for a huge sum and the Frenchman has adjusted to life at the Emirates. The 25-year-old has appeared 32 times for the Gunners this term and has impressed with 6 goals and 8 assists so far.
The same has been the case with academy graduate Bukayo Saka. The 18-year-old has had a breakthrough season, featuring 30 times across all competitions despite being played as a left-back, which is not his natural position.
He has also scored three goals and provided nine assists in the process, giving an indication of the talent that he is. Arsenal also have another academy graduate – Reiss Nelson. The youngster has enjoyed a successful campaign this season, making 16 appearances, scoring two goals and assisting thrice.
With Saka and Nelson showing glimpses of their potential and growing in stature, a move for another winger like Benrahma seems totally pointless.
Rather, they should sort out their defensive woes and save some money and time by not spending unnecessarily on a player like Benrahma. Hence, Arsenal must end their pursuit of the Algerian winger and strengthen areas that need improvement.
Arsenal just bought Pepe last summer and have enough back-up in their side. They currently do not need another winger and a move for Benrahma seems pointless. They should rather keep faith in their academy talents like Saka and Nelson and offer them more chances. With the duo proving themselves already, Arsenal must shy away from their interest in Benrahma.
