Barcelona star Raphinha is beginning to seem like 'the one that got away' for Arsenal.
The Gunners made a move for the Brazilian ace just before he chose to depart Leeds United for Barcelona in July 2022. Despite the admiration of Mikel Arteta's sporting director Edu, the 27-year-old chose LaLiga, where he initially found it difficult to showcase his skills on the pitch under then manager, Xavi.
Just six months after his arrival, Raphinha's position at Barcelona started to appear unstable with Barca prodigy Lamine Yamal claiming the right wing as his own. The signs seemed ominous for Raphinha, prompting Arsenal to once again express their interest and make a new offer for the player in January 2023.
However, despite Arsenal's revival as Premier League and Champions League title contenders, Raphinha once again turned down the north London club's overtures, choosing instead to stick it out at the Camp Nou. Since Hansi Flick took over as Barcelona manager however, Raphinha appears rejuvenated - a clear testament to the player's mental strength and true colours as an athlete.
With nine goals in 13 appearances this season – and now the wearer of the captain's armband – the £57million man arguably delivered his best performance yet on Wednesday night. The Brazilian helped Barca tear apart Bayern Munich in the Champions League's revamped league phase with a stunning hat-trick, reports Football London.
Raphinha played a pivotal role, cutting through the German titans and securing them their second loss in the Champions League this season. Watching Raphinha repeatedly breach Bayern's defence was likely a mixed emotion for Arteta and Edu, but just how close did Raphinha actually get to donning an Arsenal shirt?
The winger was once viewed by Arsenal top brass as tough competition for stars like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli and versatile enough to fill a 'false' nine role if required. Sky Sports revealed that in the summer of 2022, Arsenal reached out directly to Raphinha's representative Deco, only to be swiftly dismissed.
With Chelsea edging ahead of Arsenal in snapping up Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023, Arteta pivoted back to Raphinha. Despite challenges making his mark in Spain, Mundo Deportivo reported that Raphinha wasn't tempted by a midseason move to Arsenal.
The publication also mentioned Raphinha's steadfast conviction that he would triumph at Barcelona and his "dream" to solidify his status as a star at the Camp Nou. At that juncture, stung by the missed opportunities with Mudryk and Raphinha, Arteta reflected somberly: "We will do the deals we can do and the ones we feel are right for the club."
However, Spanish media outlet Fichajes suggests that Arsenal may still have a chance to make their move. Despite Raphinha's rise as one of Barcelona's star players this season, the Catalan giants are reportedly open to a substantial offer for the winger.
The Brazilian's value is at an all-time high, with reports indicating that Manchester City and Newcastle are keen on bringing Raphinha back to the Premier League. Interest has also been shown by teams from the Saudi Pro League.
Yet, if Arsenal are serious about securing the player they've been tracking since 2022, they might need to cough up as much as £100m to secure the 27-year-old, according to reports. It's believed that Barcelona see doubling their investment in Raphinha as a 'financially enticing deal.'
alisuwaga
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No Barca fans will skip this❤️💙💪