Arsenal have reportedly now launched a bid to sign one attacker that Mikel Arteta has been eyeing up for some time.
Arsenal are keen to bolster their attacking contingent in the upcoming summer transfer window.
With Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson both potentially set to leave the Emirates Stadium, there is likely to soon be a dearth of attacking depth in Mikel Arteta’s ranks.
Whilst the Gunners are known to be on the lookout for a striker – Arsenal are said to have made a move for Benjamin Sesko – they could use extra firepower in the wide areas too. As such, according to reports, the North London club have launched a £34 million bid to prise Raphinha away from Barcelona.
Arsenal bid for Raphinha shows effort to find support for Bukayo Saka
The Brazilian winger is said to be surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou, and could be set for a return to the Premier League, where he previously impressed for Leeds United.
Raphinha left Elland Road to join the Spanish giants in the summer of 2022. Arsenal were also keen on securing his services at that time, as reported by Sky Sports.
Now, Arteta could get another opportunity to finally get his man. The 27-year-old, who has previously been described as a “magician,” would certainly be an exciting addition to the Spanish coach’s squad. His arrival would also ease the burden on Bukayo Saka.
As a left-footed right-winger, Raphinha would be able to replicate Saka’s tactical function in the side. As things stand, the 22-year-old is required to start virtually every game for the Gunners. Arsenal need more cover in this part of pitch, and Raphinha would provide experience and proven quality. He can also operate on the opposite flank, where he would compete with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli for game time.
Why Raphinha would be a good fit for Arsenal
It remains to be seen if this initial offer will be considered sufficient by Barcelona, but in any case it is clear that Arsenal are already trying to make moves this summer in order to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
If Raphinha were to come to Arsenal and rediscover the form he enjoyed at Leeds United, following an inconsistent spell in La Liga, then he would quickly become an important figure within the Arsenal set up.
His versatility, allowing him to play on either wing, is a hugely attractive quality and the fact that he already has more than 300 clubs games under his belt, on top of 22 caps for Brazil, as well as Premier League experience and title-winning experience from his time in Spain, would all be considered important amongst what is otherwise a generally very young Arsenal squad.