Taremi attracting interest from across the continent

Several clubs are weighing up the possibility of making an approach for Rio Ave’s forward man Mehdi Taremi, who is attracting interest from across the continent.

The Iranian international, who has represented his nation at senior level 45 times, is currently experiencing a great first season with Rio Ave, having scored 17 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.

This is the 27-year old’s first season in European football, having previously only plied his trade in Asia, representing Iranian outfits Shahin, Iranjavan and Persepolis, in addition to Qatari side Al-Gharafa.

Benfica are one of the front-runners to secure Taremi’s signature, having been impressed with his dominant displays and poachers instincts in attack, which have been critical in ensuring Rio Ave currently sit in 6th place in the Primeira Liga standings and are well in contention for a Europa League spot next season.

However, there could be a challenge from England and across the globe, with Taremi having caught the eye of several clubs from the English Premier League this season.

The president of Rio Ave, Antonio Silva Campos, recently said: “There are several clubs that are interested. We will wait until the end of the season and will then decide on the fate of the player.”

Among those who are interested in the Iranian, who has another year left on his contract, are understood to be the Big Three in Portugal in Benfica, Porto and Sporting, in addition to clubs from England, Spain, Germany and France, among others.

It is understood that Rio Ave will be looking for approximately 10 million euros for Taremi, who owns 40% of his own economic rights, with Rio Ave laying claim to the other 60%.

Aston Villa are one club that have previously expressed considerable interest in Taremi, though their impending relegation could rule them out of contention.

In France, Bordeaux are another club that have previously been linked with Taremi, although that was with Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa as manager; while Sousa still remains manager of the French outfit, there have been reports in recent days that he is set to end his association with the club.

Meanwhile, Werder Bremen, who just about escaped relegation from the Bundesliga this season, are one of the German clubs that have been linked with the striker according to A Bola.

Nottingham Forest of the Championship could also consider an approach for the Iranian striker should they achieve promotion this year.

Taremi’s agent also confirmed that Sporting CP had previously been very interested in the services of their star striker: “There was contact from Sporting [in January] but both Rio Ave and the player understood that it was not an ideal time to negotiate.”

His agent also made no secret of the fact that Taremi viewed Rio Ave as a gateway into the rest of Europe, and the project at his new club will be important in deciding his future.