According to reports, Arsenal are lining-up a bid for Barcelona winger Raphinha in the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options.
With Champions League football all but achieved for next season, Mikel Arteta is keen to add quality in depth to his Arsenal squad this summer, with a number of Barcelona players on his radar.
Raphina has 18 goal contributions in 38 appearances in Spain this season & has played a key role in helping the club to the summit of the La Liga table, 12 points clear of arch-rivals and defending champions Real Madrid.
Arsenal tried to sign Raphinha when he was Leeds United, before he moved to Spain last summer. A deal was close to being agreed at one point, until Chelsea & Barcelona entered the race in which Arsenal turned to other targets as they didn’t want to overpay for the Brazilian.
That hasn’t prevented the Gunners keeping a close eye on the player while in Spain this season and are seemingly ready to renew their interest, according to Football Insider.
Arsenal didn’t want to overpay for the player last summer, but the situation could now be different with Barcelona struggling financially. The North London Club are said to be ready to launch a bid to sign Raphinha after learning he could be up for sale this summer.
The board of the La Liga giants has decided that Raphinha is one of a handful of players that could be sold to raise funds.
Despite signing Leandro Trossard in January, the club are still in the market for one more attacking player ahead of next season, as well as a central midfielder and more.
Raphina of Barcelona. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
Before moving to Xavi’s side, Raphinha was one of the best players at Leeds United and was adjudged the supporters’ Player of the Year in 2021. He scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in 67 matches in all competitions in Yorkshire.
The 26-year-old is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United as both teams look to bolster their squad for next season, so Arsenal may face competition if the Brazilian decides to return to England this summer.
