Chelsea have reportedly initiated talks to land 24-year-old Brentford star Said Benrahma, who is also attracting the likes of Arsenal and Leicester City.
RMC Sport journalist Mohamed Bouhafsi has claimed that Chelsea are currently locked in talks for Said Benrahma. The report states that Brentford are aware of the interest in Benrahma, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester City making their intentions known to the Championship club.
Bouhafsi has stated that Chelsea have begun talks with Benrahma’s agents right now and while an offer is yet to be tabled to Brentford, the interest is very real as Frank Lampard continues to revamp the club’s attack.
#Chelsea have entered into talks with Said #Benrahma‘s representatives. Chelsea have formally expressed an interest in the player to Brentford. Leicester and Arsenal interested.
— Mohamed Bouhafsi (@mohamedbouhafsi) June 15, 2020
Said Benrahma may not be the tallest of customers in attack. But, the 24-year-old knows how to pack a punch going forward. In his second season with Brentford, the winger has notched up 10 goals and 8 assists in the 2019-20 campaign while being mainly deputised as a left winger. Chelsea, Arsenal and Leicester are all looking to load up the left side of their attack.
As far as Chelsea are concerned, Frank Lampard has already confirmed one addition to the wide attack, with Hakim Ziyech set to arrive in the summer. But, Pedro and Willian are both on the verge of leaving the club and the left wing is still in need of reinforcement, especially with Christian Pulisic not really impressing the manager much with his inconsistent performances.
For Arsenal, it is a case of trying to find the best fits in attack without having to spend too much. Gabriel Martinelli is better suited as a centre forward while Bukayo Saka is currently locked in a contract standoff with the club. Even if Saka ends up staying, Arteta would need at least one more option for the left wing and Benrahma could be a potent addition to the Arsenal squad.
Leicester have just Demarai Gray for the left wing and have often been left reeling due to a lack of options beyond the 23-year-old. Benrahma would fit in well with the current philosophy at the club under Brendan Rodgers. The Brentford star is well-suited to play in a counter-attacking philosophy and would thus, be an ideal signing for the Foxes.
There is also the case of Champions League football, which Leicester are almost guaranteed to provide next season. Chelsea are close and should ideally seal a place while Arsenal look likely to miss out. All of this could have a bearing on Benrahma’s decision. But, one thing is for certain. Brentford are likely to have to find a replacement this summer, with the 24-year-old drawing such interest.
