Arsenal’s pursuit of Raphinha is heating up, with reports suggesting the Gunners are prepared to table a €90 million bid for the Barcelona winger in January.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta keen on bolstering his attacking options, sees Raphinha as a game-changing addition to revitalise Arsenal’s Premier League campaign.
The Gunners are currently nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, and a mid-season reinforcement could be crucial. Arsenal have long admired Raphinha, dating back to his Leeds United days. While Leroy Sané has also been linked as a cheaper option, Arsenal seem determined to test Barcelona’s resolve with a massive offer.
However, the move is far from straightforward. Raphinha, pivotal to Barcelona’s plans, reportedly rejected transfer overtures last summer and remains committed to the Catalan club. Despite Barcelona’s financial struggles, any sale would likely require a bid exceeding €100 million, which could still face resistance from the player himself.
Adding further complexity, Manchester City are also monitoring the situation, making the competition even stiffer. While Raphinha’s arrival would undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s firepower, convincing both Barcelona and the player to part ways in January could be a monumental challenge.
