Latest developments
- Arsenal are keen to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid.
- The Moroccan worked with Mikel Arteta at Manchester City.
- Real are open to letting Diaz find a new club.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Early reports backed up
Real Madrid are not going to stand in the way of Brahim Diaz finding a new club this month, with Arsenal the favourites to sign him.
This comes from TBR Football, who claim the Gunners have been monitoring the 25-year-old since November, pointing out that Arsenal boss worked with Diaz while both were at Man City.
Value (4/5): Lower than market value
Still featuring regularly with 23 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions this season, Diaz has a market value of £29.6 million.
However, the same source is suggesting Arsenal may only have to spend around half of that, £15.5 million, to secure his services, even with over two years to run on his contract.
Suitability (4/5): Saka injury forces Arsenal hand
A right-winger is now on Arsenal's shopping list, as they seek cover for the injured Bukayo Saka, out until at least March through injury, leaving underwhelming loanee Raheem Sterling as the only such player in the squad.
Diaz may not have played in England before, but his experience with clubs challenging for titles will be invaluable, as will his knowledge of how Arteta's methods.
Upgrade? (3.5/5): Only in the short-term
He can expect to go into the team ahead of Sterling, but few players in the world can match Saka's ability on the right side of an attacking trio.
The 25-year-old will be highly useful at first, but will likely be a bench warmer again before long.
Logic (2/5): Still needed in Madrid?
He might be down the pecking order, but it could make more sense for the Moroccan to fight for his place at the Santiago Bernabeu, rather than be little more than a rotation option at the Emirates, too.
Arsenal can do a lot worse, especially at that reasonable price, but perhaps a loan might suit everyone better?
Whisper+ verdict: 16/25
The Gunners interest seems to be genuine, we will have to see if the feeling from Brahim is mutual.
