Arsenal’s latest target tipped to complete transfer ‘soon’

Former Algeria manager Rabah Saadane believes that Hull City winger Mohamed Belloumi will leave the club “soon” amid reported transfer interest from Arsenal.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an impressive start to the 2026-27 Premier League season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in nine appearances, and rumours suggest that Arsenal are among the clubs keeping close tabs on his form.

Mikel Arteta’s side are set to prioritise attacking reinforcements next year, and Belloumi has emerged as an alternative target to the likes of Kevin Schade, Kenan Yildiz and Vinicius Junior thanks to his eye-catching performances for Hull.

Saadane has admitted that Belloumi is likely to leave Sergej Jakirovic’s side in the near future, although he has urged his compatriot to avoid finalising a transfer during the upcoming winter window.

“The fact that a club like Arsenal is interested in him is significant,” Saadane, who had five different spells as Algeria manager during his career, told Africa Foot.

“I think Belloumi is attracting interest from top clubs, and that he will leave Hull soon. But I believe in stability, and leaving mid-season is never easy, because you have to adapt and find your place.

“I've always felt it's better to wait until the end of the season to leave and complete a full preseason with your new team.”

Saadane added: “He's a talented player. He's left-footed with excellent individual technique. He has good vision. You can see he's capable of scoring and creating goals. He's still young, which means he can still improve.

“Belloumi has made some interesting choices since the start of his career. He spent two years at a modest Portuguese club, where he was able to continue his development without too much pressure.

“The big question was his ability to adapt to the English league, even League Two. He managed to do so, despite a serious injury in 2025/26. And he also played an important role in his team's promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world, very physically demanding. Belloumi is at a modest club, and he'll be able to develop further without the pressure he'd have at a bigger team. I think he still needs to work on his right foot. He's a pure left-footer, yes, but he needs to improve his right foot; it's important.”

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 11, 2026

While Arsenal are reportedly interested in Belloumi, a deal remains slightly unlikely due to the fact he typically plays on the right flank - the position favoured by Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Max Dowman.

The Gunners are instead expected to pursue a new left winger in 2027, while they are also keeping close tabs on the striker market amid doubts over the long-term future of Viktor Gyokeres.

Gustavo Varela has emerged as a centre forward target thanks to his impressive recent form for Monza, and Nicolo Tresoldi is also being closely monitored by the Arsenal hierarchy.

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