Arsenal linked with big money move for Raphinha: Right player to splurge on?
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Arsenal have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha.
The Gunners have endured an underwhelming start to the 2024/25 season, by their very high standards, and will be desperate to make up lost ground in the coming weeks. Their form has dipped drastically, resulting in the north London giants' slipping to fourth in the Premier League table—nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
As a result, it is not surprising to see the chiefs at the Emirates Stadium eye reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window. According to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are preparing an offer in the region of €90 million for Barcelona's Raphinha. However, Barcelona do not seem willing to part ways with their star winger for anything less than €100 million.
Raphinha has been a player reborn for the Catalan giants under the coaching of new boss Hansi Flick. After a rather modest previous season, the Brazilian has risen to become one of the leaders of Hansi Flick's side. The additional responsibility of the armband has seen the winger flourish, becoming a fan favourite at the Nou Camp and one of the vital pieces in Flick's tactical setup.
The 27-year-old's start to the 2024/25 campaign has been incredible, far exceeding expectations. He has scored 12 goals and registered 10 assists in 17 games across all competitions so far, thus, catching the eye of Arsenal.
Raphinha to Arsenal—Right player to splash the cash?
Arsenal have not been at their attacking, free-flowing best this campaign. They have scored 18 goals in 11 games, with Bukayo Saka once again starring with three goals and seven assists.
Saka has been the north London side's best player in the last few seasons, creating chances, linking up play, making assists and scoring goals. The England international also works extremely hard off the ball, thus, cementing his place in Mikel Arteta's first XI.
However, Arteta has been accused of overusing Saka in recent years, leading to the winger picking up niggling issues at different intervals. If the Spanish tactician is not careful, the young attacker will end up burning out. He needs to sign a right-winger to not only bolster Arsenal's attack but also help provide Saka with rest when required.
Raphinha, in that regard, would be an ideal fit at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian international is one of the most in-form players around in Europe. A right-winger by trade, he can operate on the opposite flank as well as a No.10.
The 27-year-old has previous Premier League experience with Leeds United where he was undoubtedly their best player. The South American thrived in Marcelo Bielsa's high-pressing, intense system at Leeds, but he also has the tactical flexibility and qualities to work in a calmer, more possession-based system of Arteta at Arsenal. With his pace, flair and dribbling skills, he would undoubtedly improve the Gunners' attacking unit as well as squad depth.
Depth on the right wing is probably the weakest area of this Arsenal squad, so it has not been easy For Arteta to rotate in that position. If Arsenal want to sign Raphinha as a deputy for Saka, they have to break the bank.
Perhaps, shelling out €100 million on an attacker who is at the peak of his powers and playing the best football of his career at Barcelona does seem right for an Arsenal side desperate to win the Premier League title after more than 20 years.
The post Arsenal linked with big money move for Raphinha: Right player to splurge on? appeared first on Mad About EPL.
