Arsenal has received permission from Xavi Hernandez to proceed with the transfer of a Barcelona star for €65m, as a measure to avoid a significant financial crisis
Arsenal will have the opportunity to sign Raphinha, with Barcelona reportedly ready to offload the attacker for £50-60 million.
According to a report by Football Insider, Raphinha is the subject of interest from Arsenal. And the Gunners are in a healthy position to land the Brazilian attacker, with Barcelona ready to sell him. The Blaugrana will demand £50-60 million to part ways with the summer signing as they look to fund a move for Lionel Messi.
Raphinha’s fortunes have oscillated since joining Barcelona from Leeds United last summer. The 26-year-old was a hot property in the market after helping the Whites remain in the Premier League. But he snubbed Premier League bigwigs like Arsenal and Chelsea to complete a dream move to Barcelona
The Brazilian international has been fairly regular for Barcelona this season but went through a slump for a few months. But the player has rediscovered his best form and has a tally of ten goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances. However, Raphinha’s future is uncertain, with Barcelona considering selling him amid the interest in Lionel Messi. Such a situation has alerted Arsenal
The Gunners are in the market for a wide attacker as they look to beef up their squad ahead of the impending return to the UEFA Champions League. Mikel Arteta, an apprentice of Pep Guardiola, wants two quality options for every position in his squad. And that is a quality that the Arsenal boss has inherited from the former Barcelona manager.
Arteta currently relies on Bukayo Saka from the right flank. But the English international is the only quality option for the position in the Arsenal squad. So it is hardly surprising that the North London giants have reignited their interest in Raphinha.
Barcelona will have no qualms about parting ways with the attacker, slapping a price tag of £50-60 million on him. But it is unclear if Arsenal will be open to shelling out such a sum to secure Raphinha’s services in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona will be desperate to re-sign Lionel Messi if he leaves Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. But while talks between the two parties have advanced, Barcelona’s financial issues might hinder the deal. That said, it will be interesting to see if Arsenal will shell out £50-60 million to land Raphinha and help the Blaugrana re-sign Messi.
