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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
ALEX YOUNG

Who is Said Benrahma? Chelsea target dubbed 'the new Riyad Mahrez'

Chelsea have begun talks over a move for Brentford winger Said Benrahma, dubbed 'the new Riyad Mahrez', according to reports.

With Hakim Ziyech through the door and Timo Werner expected to follow in the coming day, the Blues have reportedly turned attentions to the Algerian.

Standard Sport understands that Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz remains of interest.

Arsenal and Leicester City are said to also be keen on the 24-year-old, though Brentford's £31million price tag could be a stumbling block.

Here's everything you need to know about the Brentford winger...

(Getty Images)

Career to date

Said Benrahma came through the ranks at Algerian club NRB Bethioua before making the switch to France.

After three years, he impressed the scouts at Nice to hand him a professional contract, making a handful of appearances for the first team over the next five years while being sent out on various loans.

His most rewarding spell away from Allianz Riviera came at Ligue 2 outfit Chateauroux for the 2017-18 season, scoring 12 goals in 34 appearances.

Brentford were suitable impressed and Benrahma hasn't looked back since. A £1.5m move has resulted in 21 goals in 72 Championship appearances since.

(Getty Images)

Playing style

Benrahma has excelled this season playing on the left of Brentford's prolific front three, alongside striker Ollie Watkins and winger Bryan Mbeumo, but with plenty of licence to drift inside.

He likes to receive the ball to feet so that he can run at opponents and his ability to wriggle out of tight spaces to suddenly open up the pitch has been a key part of the Bees' success on the counter-attack.

There is little doubt that Benrahma is the most naturally gifted of the star trio, as evidenced by his outrageous show reel of tricks and flicks, which has drawn comparisons with the way former QPR man Adel Taraabt once toyed with Championship defenders.

His critics say that he is guilty of overplaying at times and that his bad days are very bad indeed, but they are becoming more and more infrequent.

(Getty Images)

What he's said

Benrahma told BBC Sport in February: "For the moment I am focused on Brentford. This summer I will see but for the moment I am so focused here. I am happy, I play, I score, I win, it's a good position so I am happy.

"For the moment I am here. My ambition is to play in the premier league. That's my first ambition. It's the first step and then continue to progress. If I go into the Premier League God willing with Brentford or ... I don't know but my ambition is the Premier League."

He added to Le Buteur in May: "I can not complain.

"I am now focused on my club in Brentford after it makes me happy that upscale Premier League clubs are behind me. I have a contract with Brentford and I have to honor them properly."

(Getty Images)

Interest

As mentioned, French publication RMC says Chelsea are leading the race for Benrahma's signature.

Frank Lampard is looking for reinforcements on the wing, with both Willian and Pedro expected to leave following the conclusion of this season.

Benrahma has two years to run on the contract he signed when arriving from Nice in 2018.

West Ham have been linked previously, along with the mentioned Arsenal and Leicester City.

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