Arsenal will “regret” turning down the opportunity to sign Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, according to a report.
The Gunners were offered the chance to sign Taremi in January but declined according to CBS. Since the Iranian has been in outstanding form.
Taremi has netted 11 times already this season, including four in the Champions League group stage.
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Indeed, the striker’s Champions League return has only been bettered by four players this term - Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Robert Lewandowski.
The Iranian frontman, who will likely lead the line for his national side in this month's World Cup, was also nominated for a Puskas award in 2021 for his stunning overhead kick against Chelsea in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s decision not to sign Taremi is one they will come to regret, claims the site Persian League.
Speaking to SF Former Porto and Portugal striker Domingos Paciencia said: “Mehdi Taremi is a player who doesn’t give any defence any rest. His work rate is infectious.
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“A striker with that persistence, who never gives up, who helps the team a lot.
“The best Porto has Taremi on the pitch. Lately, I haven’t seen a player as complete as he is. His defensive commitment, his personality is also very strong.”
It is unclear why the 30-year-old would have been offered to Arsenal.
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Porto signed Taremi for just £4.25million from Rio Ave in 2020 and he has since become a talismanic figure for the Portuguese giants.
Taremi remained at Porto in January rather than making a Premier League move and finished the season with 26 goals and 17 assists in 48 appearances. That’s a goal or assist every 84 minutes.
In turn, the player is now by Transfermkt at £ 18 million, with a contract that runs until 2024.
Topics: FC Porto, Arsenal, Champions League
Chris Byfield