Brazil v Mexico: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia — SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Filipe Luis of Brazil battles for possession with Hector Herrera of Mexico during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico at Samara Arena on July 2, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Arsenal Gossip

Arsenal ‘main contender’ for Mexican 28-year-old

Sep 27, 2018

Arsenal are reportedly the ‘main contender’ for Hector Herrera’s signature according to a report from Portugal.

Correio da Manhã reports that the Mexican international has rejected three new offers from Porto, demanding a salary in the region of €3m-a-year after tax. Available on a free next summer, he can sign a pre-agreement with a foreign club in just a couple of months after Porto rejected a number of offers for him.

Arsenal, of course, have competition for his signature from Roma, Tottenham, Real Madrid and Barcelona as the main contenders mentioned. The usual suspects for in an Arsenal transfer rumour.

That makes me question the validity of this story as it’s easy to just grab the names of a few top clubs to pad out a rumour and make it seem like something it isn’t.

180926 herrera to arsenal — Correiro da Manhã 26 September 2018

This is far from the first time Arsenal have been linked with a move for the midfielder.

According to the Mirror almost two weeks ago, Arsenal are one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing the 28-year-old who enjoyed a strong World Cup in Russia. Real Madrid, PSG, Barcelona, and Roma were also linked with the player just to make sure all bases are covered but it seems someone forgot PSG this time around.

O Jogo reported that Arsenal were interested in him back at the start of July amid rumours that Lyon were hopeful of sealing a €30m deal for the player.

CARDIFF, WALES - SEPTEMBER 02: Matteo Guendouzi of Arsenal is faced by Junior Hoilett of Cardiff City during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Arsenal FC at Cardiff City Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) — CARDIFF, WALES – SEPTEMBER 02: Matteo Guendouzi of Arsenal is faced by Junior Hoilett of Cardiff City during the Premier League match between Cardiff City and Arsenal FC at Cardiff City Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

The captain of Porto, where’s he’s played since 2013, Herrera makes more sense for the club as a free transfer than he did as a potential €30m-acquisition in the summer.

However, with the arrival of Lucas Torreira and the emergence of Matteo Guendouzi, it still seems a bit of a strange one. Add into the mix Aaron Ramsey, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Mohamed Elney, and Granit Xhaka and you have to ask where he’d fit?