Arsenal are top of the league and in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with Mikel Arteta guiding them to what could be a very successful season – but they cannot rest on their laurels.
The Gunners looked solid all over the pitch, but Arteta and Edu will need to bring in more signings to keep things fresh and keep their rivals on their toes. A winger could be on the agenda this summer.
Bukayo Saka is without doubt the club’s first-choice right-winger. But, the Gunners lack competition for the England man. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are best from the left side of the attack.
Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith-Rowe can play on the right – but both could leave. Nelson is a target for Brighton, while Smith-Rowe is expected to go. They are some way away from Saka’s incredible level.
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Barcelona’s Raphinha
Raphinha was a bit of an unknown when he joined Leeds United in the summer of 2020 from Rennes. But, he starred for the Whites in the Premier League, having a hand in 29 goals in just 67 appearances.
That earned him a dream move to Barcelona. While the 27-year-old has had his critics while at the Nou Camp, his numbers are excellent. He’s got 15 goals and assists in 28 games this season, under Xavi.
In his 78 games, 37 goal involvements. Very solid form from the Brazil star. Spanish newspaper SPORT claim Raphinha has plenty of interest in him ahead of the summer – with Barca still needing some cash.
They rate Raphinha at £68. Around £13m more than they paid Leeds for him. The report says Arsenal and Tottenham have a long-standing interest in him – while Saudi Arabian clubs could make a move.
What Raphinha has said about Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal recently
Speaking on a Tik Tok in January, Raphinha was asked about which club from Europe he likes – and he replied by saying “The Arsenal”. Arsenal are really impressing, playing an attractive style of football.
Described as “magic” by Garth Crooks while he was shining at Leeds United in January, Raphinha has shown that he would be very apt competition for Saka. Indeed, the England man could do with a rest.
Still only 22, Saka has already played 216 times for the Gunners. His stats are immense this season, he is undroppable – 16 goals, 15 assists in 37 games. But if anyone is to push him, Raphinha is the man.
It is noted in football that tough competition brings the absolute best out of a player and singing Raphinha might take Saka to a new level. Raphinha of course, is capable of playing on the left side, too.
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