Arsenal are preparing the finally win the Premier League title after coming close last two years. The club lost the titles both time to Manchester City. Despite pushing the title race to the very end, Gunners felt short by only two points. Mikel Arteta wants to win the first Premier League trophy for Arsenal since 2004. One of the main thing for Arteta is to improve the current squad. The Spaniard wants to improve all the positions on the pitch. Arsenal may go after Barcelona’s superstar who was the target two years ago.
Bukayo Saka is currently the main man in attack. He has been Arteta’s main right winger and started almost every match last season. However he was unable to receive well rest in the process. Saka played 47 matches last season. He has played 40+ matches for the last four seasons. The club needs to sign a backup player for the right wing position. However, they need to make sure the player is of good quality as they don’t want to make that flank weak.
Barcelona prepared to sell their winger
FC Barcelona are ready to part ways with their Brazilian winger Raphinha. FC Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds United in 2022. The La Liga giants paid a fee of £55 million for the Brazilian winger. Barca achieved Raphinha’s signature after beating Chelsea and Arsenal in the race. At that time Raphinha only wanted to join Barcelona and hence Leeds rejected bids from every other club. Barca hijacked almost every Chelsea’s moves that transfer window.
Raphinha was Xavi’s regular starter in the last two seasons. However, Lamine Yamal has now emerged as a promising youngster. The 17 year old was very good in the Euro 2024. In addition, Barca are struggling with their finance. Raphinha has been told by Barca’s new boss Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco that his gametime will be limited next season. The La Liga side is also trying to sign Nico Williams to partner Yamal on other wing. Barca need to raise their profit if they want to sign Williams. They think the best way to do so is by selling some of the current stars.
Raphinha wants to stay at Barca but is open to move if the club decides otherwise. He is ready to move back to England or else can also move to Saudi Arabia. Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle have already shown interest in the winger. However, there is high competition as Aston Villa, Manchester United and Tottenham can also be seen joining the race.
Arsenal monitoring Barcelona’s winger
Barcelona are demanding around £50 million for Raphinha according to Express. Arsenal can afford that price for an experienced winger like Raphinha. They are reported to be using the money earned from the sale Emile Smith Rowe. Reiss Nelson is also reported to be on his way away from the Emirates.
Raphinha can play on both sides of the flanks. He can be a great backup option for Bukayo Saka and could deliver on the similar extent. In addition he can play as left winger too if Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are struggling. Raphinha is also able to play as a midfielder and striker. However it is very rare that he is seen in those positions.
Raphinha’s recent season
Arsenal target and Barcelona’s winger played 37 matches in the 2023/24 season. His matches dropped from 50 to 37 due to the emergence of Lamine Yamal. However Raphinha was still able to achieve some good figures. He scored 10 goals along with giving 11 assists. He was very good in the Champions League. Raphinha played 7 UCL matches out of which he started 6. He scored 3 goals along with providing 2 assists for Barcelona. Barca were able to reach quarter finals of Champions League. However they lost it against Paris Saint-Germain.
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