Semra Hunter has stated that ‘nobody in Spain’ is talking about the possible departure of Raphinha from Barcelona during the January transfer window with Arsenal keen to sign the winger after Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea.
The La Liga TV presenter added that Raphinha’s form has started to pick up at the Nou Camp, after he went through a struggle pre-World Cup and the Barcelona fans ‘weren’t happy’ with what they were seeing, as she told Sky Sports News (16/01/23).
It was only during the summer that Raphinha left the Premier League stage after helping Leeds United avoid relegation to the Championship – he scored against the Gunners during a home defeat for the Whites.
But less than 12 months after his exit, there is already talk of him returning, but this time to don the colours of the Premier League leaders.
Mikel Arteta initially wanted Mykhailo Mudryk, but Chelsea stuck their chest out and threw all the money on the table for the Ukraine winger.
Well, whilst Arsenal fans hope for another forward to be added before the winter window slams shut, Semra Hunter provided possible bad news that it won’t be Raphinha.
“I wouldn’t say that it hasn’t worked out (for Raphinha at Barcelona)’,” said Hunter. “I think we aren’t at that point just yet because when Raphinha did join the club in the summer actually he was pretty brilliant for Barcelona for the first few weeks.
“He settled in quite nicely. He played with a lot of confidence. Put in a lot of crosses. He was providing assists and linking up with the front three very well, in general.
“But it’s true that his form did then slip away for quite some time. He really started coming under a lot of criticism because a lot of the Barcelona fans weren’t happy with what they were seeing from him and it was below-par and below-expected of him as well.
“Since the World Cup, his form has started to come back and he has played reasonably well. Well enough that Xavi would be quite happy to keep him at the club. I don’t know if Arsenal will be taking it seriously and looking to bring him back to the Premier League or not. But, at this moment in time, in Spain, nobody is talking about the departure of Raphinha in the short term.”
IS RAPHINHA NEEDED?
It’s interesting that Arsenal are predominantly targeting wide players that like to cut inside, rather than an out-and-out centre-forward given Gabriel Jesus’ injury.
Raphinha is a better option than Mudryk because he is more experienced, he has tasted and proved his worth in the Premier League before and he can also play down the middle.
But the Brazil international has a preference to play out on the right, then cut inside and work his magic.
However, there is a certain Bukayo Saka, who has been one of Arsenal’s best players this season, already occupying that spot, so if Raphinha were to join, he’s not getting any minutes on the right flank, that’s for sure.
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