According to Goal, Arsenal have a genuine interest in Leeds United’s Raphinha, and this could be an excellent signing for the Gunners.
You don’t need us to tell you about Raphinha’s ability. His 11 goals last season speak for themselves, and the fact that he’s been linked to the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool show just how highly-regarded the Brazilian is within the game.
Unfortunately for Leeds United, the winger has outgrown the Whites, and now, he’s ready to play for an elite club.
Arsenal certainly fit that bill in terms of being an elite club. After all, they’re one of the most successful clubs in English football history, but, in our view, Raphinha would be a fool to join the Gunners at this moment in time.
Indeed, not only do Arsenal not have the ability to offer the Leeds star Champions League football this term, they also can’t offer him a guaranteed place in the starting XI.
As we know, Raphinha is at his best when he’s playing down the right wing and cutting in onto that dangerous left-foot of his, but unfortunately for Arsenal, one of their best players is in the exact same mould – Bukayo Saka.
Saka is untouchable in this Arsenal team. His presence limited £72m man Nicolas Pepe to just one start this term, and if Raphinha were to head to the Emirates, he could be condemned to a similar fate.
However, perhaps fortunately for Raphinha, Saka’s future at Arsenal isn’t secure. His contract is winding down, while both Liverpool and Manchester City have been linked.
If Saka makes a big-money move this summer, then Arsenal would be the perfect destination for Raphinha, but until that happens, he shouldn’t even think about heading to the Gunners, especially if the chance to join a Champions League club such as Tottenham or Barcelona is available to him.
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