Arsenal FC have finally started to complete the new signings. They have completed the long waited signing of Riccardo Calafiori. It has made their defence even more strong. Fabrizio Romano has tweeted that the Mikel Merino has now signed for Arsenal. However it has not yet announced officially but is now just a matter of time. Now the club needs to focus on the attacking options. Arsenal want to sign a striker and a right winger. They want to sign a proper striker while as they want to sign a backup winger for Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal were very strong in defence in the 2023/24 season. They conceded less goals than anyone else in the league. However they scored five less goals than Manchester City. As a result, they lost the Premier League title by only 2 points on the last day. Firstly, both of the main strikers of Arsenal were very poor. Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus scored only 9 goals in league causing problems for the club. This made a new striker priority for the club. Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen are the two names currently linked with a move to North London.
As far as right wing is considered, Arsenal have one of the best players there. Bukayo Saka is the main man in attack for Gunners. He played 47 matches last season and scored 20 goals and assisted 14 more. However, he does not have a proper backup which results in him not having enough rest. Arsenal want to resolve this issue as soon as possible and sign a new winger. They are linked with one superstar who already has a lot of experience playing in Premier League.
Arsenal linked with a high quality right winger
Arsenal are linked with Raphinha who has already shown his worth in Premier League. Raphinha played for Leeds United before moving to FC Barcelona in 2022. In 2022 too, Gunners were linked with him along with Chelsea. However Barcelona emerged victorious in that race and achieved Raphinha’s signature.
Raphinha was regular starter for Barcelona in 2022/23 season. He played 50 matches in his first season. However last season his matches reduced from 50 to 37. The main reason was the emergence of 17 year old Lamine Yamal. In addition, Barcelona are linked with Nico Williams. They want to pair Yamal and Williams just like Luis de la Fuente did in Spanish national team. This will reduce Raphinha’s gametime even more than last season.
Barcelona are struggling with their financial side. They think the best way to deal is by selling some of their current players. Raphinha is one of them. Barca are prepared to sell him for £51 million. According to recent reports, Arsenal are prepared to submit a bid worth £42 million for the right winger. Saudi side Al-Hilal have already submitted a bid worth £55 million for Raphinha. However, Raphinha is not ready to move to Saudi and is looking to return to England.
How good is Raphinha when compared to Saka
Raphinha could be a very good backup option for Bukayo Saka. He can deliver on somewhat similar basis as Saka if not exact. Raphinha scored 6 goals in the league last season whereas Saka scored 16 goals. They both assisted 9 goals each. Raphinha gave 2.70 key passes per 90 whereas Saka gave 2.81 key passes per 90. Both of they have very similar ball recoveries too. Stats according to FBref.
This gives us an idea that Raphinha will do very good as backup right winger. In addition he can play as left winger too. Raphinha has also played as a striker and midfielder on rare occasions. His signing will provide Arsenal with a wide versatility and good depth in attack.
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