Arsenal would no doubt love to bring in a new midfielder this summer, but the global pandemic may limit their options in the market.
The Gunners may not be able to spend as they had previously hoped, meaning Mikel Arteta and co will have to be clever whenever the transfer window opens.
Still, they’re being linked with a number of players. The latest rumour emerged in Spain on Wednesday, with Barcelona’s Rafinha linked.
Mundo Deportivo claim that Arsenal are ‘attentive’ to Rafinha, and could move for him this summer as Barcelona look to offload him.
Rafinha has been on loan at Celta Vigo, where there is a €16million (£14million) buyout clause. It remains to be seen whether they can afford that now, with Arsenal watching closely.
Arsenal’s Head of Football Raul Sanellhi knows Rafinha from Barcelona, and may well be driving the interest in signing the Brazilian.
The 27-year-old was once tipped for stardom, but injuries have impacted him greatly. He is still a technically-gifted and creative midfielder, with a great left foot.
The price isn’t huge, so Arsenal may be willing to take a punt. However, Arsenal fans don’t seem too impressed with the rumours of his potential arrival.
Some urged the club to avoid Rafinha due to his injuries, branding him ‘so, so ordinary’. The general feeling is that he just isn’t good enough for Arsenal, and is merely a backup target to Barcelona teammate Philippe Coutinho.
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