Arsenal would be interested in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha if he became available this summer. He could solve the one remaining issue for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have spent heavily on Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz this window. William Saliba and Reiss Nelson have signed new contracts. With Champions League football back on the menu and Arsenal determined to compete on multiple fronts, high-quality strength in depth is a must.
Arsenal insider Charles Watts said the Gunners would “absolutely be interested” in signing Raphinha if Barca decided to sell him. The Brazilian plays primarily on the right side, and given that he’s left-footed, he would represent like-for-like competition for Saka.
Watts stressed Barcelona is unlikely to put Raphinha on the market as he remains highly regarded at the Camp Nou, just one year removed from his £55 million arrival from Leeds. However, a right-winger of the caliber of Raphinha would remedy the last issue bugging Arteta by providing stiff competition for Saka.
Arsenal want Raphinha, but Barcelona need convincing
“Arsenal would absolutely be interested in him if he were on the market,” said Watts. "I don't think Barcelona will let him go this summer. “They still believe Raphinha can make a big impact. So I don’t think they'll consider letting him go, and I think he very much wants to stay in Barcelona.
“But I think it’d be an absolutely perfect signing for Arsenal, signing someone to cover for Saka and provide competition. “The key thing for them now, after the brilliant work they’ve done so far in the transfer window, is that Saka is still basically on his own out on that right-hand side.
“And I think Raphinha would be perfect; he’s got the character to play for Arsenal, he’s got the personality to play for Arsenal, he’s possessed the quality to succeed for Arsenal, and he ticks a lot of boxes in terms of the way he operates and the intensity he performs with.
“I think he showed real personality to a struggling Leeds team. And he kept him up that season in the Premier League.
“It’d be perfect for Arsenal, but I just don’t think it would be possible this summer because I think Barcelona will keep him.”
Source: teamtalk
