Barcelona’s Rafinha looks set to move on this month.
Rafinha of FC Barcelona tries an overhead kick against Valencia
Arsenal are in the market for new signings this month, and reports in Spain suggest they are moving for a player on the fringes of the Barcelona side.
The Gunners may well see Alexis Sanchez leave the club this month, but Catalan newspaper Sport claim that they have made contact over a deal for Barcelona’s Rafinha.
Rafinha, 24, is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, but has played fewer than 80 times for the first team, and hasn’t appeared at all this term.
Injuries have largely curtailed his season so far, but with compatriot Philippe Coutinho now heading to the Camp Nou, Rafinha seemingly knows it’s time to leave the Camp Nou.
Whilst Arsenal are allegedly keen, another team who should at least take a look at Rafinha’s situation is North London rivals Tottenham, given that manager Mauricio Pochettino appears to be in the market for Mousa Dembele’s long-term successor.
A central midfielder with the ability on the ball to drive through midfield is just what Tottenham need, and left-footed Rafinha – just like Dembele – can provide that, making him potentially ideal for Pochettino, even if he doesn’t particularly possess the same strength as the Belgian.
Rafinha’s injury woes would be a concern, but when fit, he can be a creative force in the middle of the park, and still has potential to fulfil if given the chance to take Dembele’s role in the future.
The Express claim that Tottenham want Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, but they should also keep tabs on Rafinha’s situation too, in the hope of landing a smart deal for a Barcelona midfielder following Coutinho’s big-money move this week.
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