Spanish newspaper SPORT claim Arsenal are to ‘fight’ at ‘all costs’ to lure Raphinha back to the Premier League from Barcelona – even though Raphinha is happy at Barcelona and wants to remain at the Nou Camp after leaving Leeds.
Raphinha, 26, starred in the Premier League for Leeds. Clocking up 67 appearances for the Whites in two seasons, he went on to have a hand in 29 goals from the right flank – mostly. Scoring 17 goals, Raphinha also laid on 12 assists.
Costing Barcelona a fee of £50million plus £5million more in add-ons, he has struggled initially at the Nou Camp. Just 12 starts, and 23 appearances in total – having a hand in only eight goals. But Raphinha did impress at the World Cup.
It is claimed that Barcelona want a fee of around £88million to sell Raphinha in the next fortnight. A huge amount, but one Arsenal were willing to pay for Mykhaylo Mudryk. SPORT say Raphinha is flattered by Arsenal’s January interest.
However, he is keen to make it work at Barcelona. That will not deter Arsenal, though. It is believed the Gunners will push hard with talks ongoing between Arsenal and Raphinha – and are willing to sign the player at ‘all costs’.
Arsenal to fight at all costs to lure Raphinha back to the Premier League
The Gunners need a winger. With the Europa League knockout stages on the horizon and a Premier League title race more than alive, Arsenal need depth. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are the current options on the left and right.
Raphinha started over Martinelli at the World Cup for Brazil. But Raphinha is best from the right, and he hardly gets in over Saka. So, it will be interesting to see how he fits in, if he starts. But mainly, he aids Arsenal in the form of depth.
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