Arsenal are weighing up a free transfer move for FC Porto’s Yacine Brahimi, and they’ve held initial talks with the player’s representatives, according to reports.

Porto's Algerian forward Yacine Brahimi (L) scores a goal to Nacional's Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel Guimaraes during the Portuguese League football match between FC Porto and CD Nacional Funchal at the Dragao stadium in Porto on January 7, 2019. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP / Getty Images)
Porto’s Algerian forward Yacine Brahimi (L) scores a goal to Nacional’s Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel Guimaraes during the Portuguese League football match between FC Porto and CD Nacional Funchal at the Dragao stadium in Porto on January 7, 2019. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA / AFP / Getty Images)

The Mirror report that Brahimi is planning to run down his contract with Porto, meaning he will be a free agent this summer. Premier League clubs are, therefore, already free to speak to him over signing a pre-contract agreement.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton are among the clubs to have held initial talks with the 28-year-old’s representatives. Arsenal are particularly keen on the idea of bringing a player in a problem position in on a free transfer, considering the Gunners’ limited transfer budget as things stand.

Inter Milan are a step ahead of the Premier League trio right now, as they’ve reportedly already offered Brahimi a deal.

Yacine Brahimi
Porto’s Algerian midfielder Yacine Brahimi celebrates after scoring during the Portuguese league football match CD Feirense vs FC Porto at Marcolino de Castro stadium in Santa Maria da Feira on December 11, 2016. / AFP / FRANCISCO LEONG / Getty Images

Brahimi is having a very good season for Porto, with seven goals and six assists in 25 matches. That includes a couple of assists in five Champions League starts, as the Portuguese club won their group.

Brahimi’s best attributes are his dribbling, his through balls and his passing, though he doesn’t provide anything much in the way of defensive contribution. His finishing is also a bit inconsistent, even if he’s on a great goalscoring run at the moment, with four goals in six games.

Arsenal could use a winger in the current squad. There are a few youth prospects coming up, like Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka and Xavier Amaechi, but they’ll take time to adapt to senior football. Perhaps a 28-year-old Brahimi in his peak could fill the gap until they’re ready. We’ll see.