Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Barcelona wantaway Raphinha. The winger has been a long-term Gunners target and has been transfer listed by the Spanish giants as they aim to raise funds for other targets. The 27-year-old could be available for around £42 million after Barcelona slashed his asking price from £50 million.
Arsenal renew interest in Raphinha as Barcelona slash asking price
While the right wing is not a priority target for the Gunners, they do want someone with quality who can deputise for star man Bukayo Saka and even challenge him for that position. Raphinha is also capable of playing on the left flank and may be deployed there with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard not at their best currently.
Born in Brazil, Raphinha came through the youth ranks of Avai. He was scouted by Portuguese side Vitória Guimarães and moved to Europe aged 18. The winger enjoyed a successful two-year stint with Vitoria, scoring 15 goals in his second season there. Fellow Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon agreed a deal for Raphinha, but the move wasn’t a success, with the winger struggling for game time and goal involvement.
Raphinha then moved to France, with Rennes his next destination after they signed him for a club record fee. While he had some good moments, the winger couldn’t make a large enough impact to justify his transfer fees. Premier League side Leeds United came knocking and agreed on a deal for him worth £17 million.
Raphinha could be Arsenal bound?
The Brazilian played some of his best football with the English side, scoring 17 goals in 65 appearances for them. With Leeds in a relegation battle, Barcelona agreed on a £50 million transfer fee for him. Following his move to Spain, his career has stalled slightly. With the emergence of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, Raphinha has found himself on the bench more often lately.
Barcelona have deemed him as surplus to requirements and are keen to sell him this summer. While Raphinha is an immensely talented winger, Mikel Arteta shouldn’t pay more than £30 million for him. Given that the Brazilian is likely to be a squad player, it makes no sense to pay so much money for a player who isn’t going to start often. If Arsenal can negotiate his fee to around £30 million, the depth he will offer to the team would be highly beneficial to their title challenge.
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