According to RMC Sport, Arsenal could miss out on Brentford winger Said Benrahma after Chelsea stepped up their interest in signing him.
It’s claimed that Chelsea have started negotiations with Benrahma’s entourage. The Blues have allegedly even communicated their interest directly to the Bees.
Chelsea have yet to make a bid, but they seem to be positioning themselves for an offer. It’s stated that Brentford would be looking for at least €20million (£18million).
Arsenal and Leicester City are thought to be interested too, but Chelsea have leapfrogged the competition and are favourites to sign Benrahma as things stand.
The Algerian international has become a star in the Championship. This season, he has racked up 10 goals and eight assists in 34 league appearances for Brentford.
Benrahma is skilful and creative, operating predominantly as a left-sided winger who cuts in on his right foot. That is what Arsenal need on the other side from Nicolas Pepe, rather than shoehorning Gabriel Martinelli or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang into the team there.
Formerly of Nice, Benrahma looks set for the Premier League whether or not Brentford go up. Heading from Brentford to Chelsea or Arsenal is a big jump, but he has shown the quality to play in the top flight.
If Arsenal want to bring in Benrahma, then they need to move quickly. With budget limitations in place, it may well be the case that the Gunners can’t challenge their London rivals for Benrahma this summer.
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