Paul Merson has said on Sky Sports Premier League (1:28pm, January 15, 2023) that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will now bid for Barcelona winger Raphinha after missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea.
Chelsea have announced the signing of Ukraine international winger Mykhailo Mudryk in the January transfer window.
As reported by The Independent, Arsenal also wanted to sign the 22-year-old, but Chelsea offered more in transfer fees and more salary to the winger.
So, now Arsenal are on the hunt for a new winger.
And former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit Merson believes that the Gunners will go for former Leeds United winger Raphinha.
90min have reported that Arsenal have already made contact in regard to signing the Brazil international from Barcelona in the January transfer window.
Sport have reported that Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants as much as €100 million (£89 million) for the 26-year-old, who earns £199,000 per week as salary at the former La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners (SalarySport).
Sky Sports reported last summer that Arsenal were among the clubs keen on the winger, but Raphinha wanted to move only to Barcelona.
The Brazilian has made seven starts and eight substitute appearances in La Liga for Barcelona so far this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists in the process.
Raphinha has also made four starts and one substitute appearance in the UEFA Champions League for Xavi’s side so far this campaign, providing two assists in the process.
Paul Merson on Arsenal target and Barcelona winger Raphinha
Merson said: “I think they will probably go for Raphinha at Barcelona now, in my opinion. I think they will go for him.”
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