Paul Merson has told Sky Sports Football (01/10/20 at 5:05 pm) that he’s not surprised that Said Benrahma is still a Brentford player despite links with the likes of Aston Villa & Arsenal.
90 min have previously linked Mikel Arteta’s resurgent Arsenal with Benrahma’s signature, whilst the Daily Mail claimed back in August that a reunion could be on the cards with the Algerian trickster and Dean Smith.
After being left out of a number of Brentford’s match-day squad, Benrahma returned to the fold over the weekend and has now started his side’s League Cup encounter against Fulham on Thursday night.
Former Villa & Arsenal star, Merson was asked whether he is surprised that Benrahma is still a Brentford player despite rumours suggesting he could be in line for a Premier League switch.
“No, I am not,” Merson told Sky Sports. “When you go to see a player and you go to see how good they are, when they are playing week in and week out, yes.
“But when it comes down to the nitty-gritty like it did at the end of the season when it comes down to them going to Stoke having to win to get promoted or Barnsley at home and then the final. He didn’t really perform.
“On the other hand, Ross Barkley has just gone out on-loan. You are talking about one of the talented kids. Do you take Barkley on loan for nothing? Or do you pay £30 million for a gamble? I like the lad but I still think there is a lot of work to be done.
“In this day and age, £30 million for a Championship player. I personally think it’s a lot of money. That’s not happening in the Premier League.”
Biggest Premier League transfer deadline day deals in 2019
- Alex Iwobi
Arsenal to Everton: £34 million
- Ismaila Sarr
Rennes to Watford: £30 million
- Ryan Sessegnon
Fulham to Tottenham: £25 million
- Kieran Tierney
Celtic to Arsenal: £25 million
- Dennis Praet
Sampdoria to Leicester: £18 million
Benrahma is unfortunately in a situation where interested parties would be willing to take his talents on the board, but perhaps not for the money that the Bees want.
Nobody can blame Brentford for potentially putting a big price-tag on his shoulders because they have played a big part in helping him get to this stage.
The positive for Benrahma is that Premier League clubs can still conclude transfer business with EFL clubs up until the October 16 deadline.
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