Reports suggest that Arsenal have been given renewed hope in their pursuit of Raphinha. The Gunners attempted to sign the Brazilian winger last summer and in January, but saw Barcelona secure his signature before he rejected a mid-season move. However, with Barcelona still facing financial difficulties, Arsenal’s long-term pursuit of Raphinha has been given a boost. According to Football Insider, Raphinha is one player who could be put up for sale in the summer as Barcelona look to raise funds worth as much as £178 million. The report reveals that Barcelona want to recoup at least as much as they paid to sign the 26-year-old.
Barcelona agreed to a £55 million transfer for Raphinha from Leeds, and after an initial period where he struggled to adapt, his form has taken an upturn following the World Cup. He has contributed to six goals in his last ten league games, having previously contributed to four in 15. Raphinha is a Premier League-proven talent, having scored 17 goals and added 12 assists during his two years at Elland Road.
La Liga chief executive Javier Tebas has explained that strict economic controls are in place, and at the end of each window, all clubs in La Liga are told what they can spend. In the case of Barcelona, they have to reduce their spending on wages and transfers from €650 million to €450 million – a budget decrease of €200 million.
However, any sale of Raphinha would come after Barcelona boss Xavi hailed him as “the future of Barcelona”. This suggests that the Spanish giants may be reluctant to part with the winger.
Arsenal’s interest in Raphinha is understandable given their need for attacking reinforcements. The Gunners have struggled for goals this season, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette both enduring difficult campaigns. Raphinha’s pace and trickery would add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack, and his versatility would allow him to play on either flank or through the middle.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Raphinha is likely to face competition from other clubs, with Manchester United and Liverpool among the other Premier League sides linked with the Brazilian. However, Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the winger could give them an advantage in any potential negotiations.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken about the importance of adding quality to his squad in the summer transfer window. “We need to improve the squad, that’s clear,” he said. “There are certain areas where we can improve the quality and balance of the team. We are working on that and we will see what we can do.”
Raphinha would certainly fit the bill as a quality addition to Arsenal’s squad. The Brazilian has shown his ability to perform at the highest level in the Premier League, and at 26 years old, he still has his best years ahead of him. If Arsenal can secure his signature, it would be a major statement of intent ahead of the new season.