Arsenal are ready to make a €90 million offer to sign Raphinha in January, although his current status at Barcelona will make any move difficult.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are ready to make a €90 million offer to sign Raphinha in January. Mikel Arteta has been looking for a critical attacker in the next window, which could take the Gunners to Barcelona’s door. However, the Brazilian’s current status and importance for the Catalans will make a move very difficult.
Arsenal are not in the most ideal situation with regard to their season so far. They have done reasonably well in the UEFA Champions League. However, it is the Premier League where they are already trailing league leaders Liverpool by nine points after eleven games on board.
The Gunners could dip into the January market for an attacker, be it a striker or a wide man. There are some links to Leroy Sane, with the German’s availability on the cheap indeed an enticing prospect for Arsenal. The report states they are willing to go all out for Raphinha.
The interest in Raphinha is nothing new, as Mikel Arteta wanted him when he left Leeds United. They have kept close tabs on the Barcelona talisman, who cost them €58 million, since then and are now willing to make a €90 million offer to test the waters.
There are reports stating Barcelona want €100 million or more to sell Raphinha, and should Arsenal make that offer, it will certainly come close to their demand. There is also the question of the Blaugrana and their financial troubles, which could make a big sale possible at some point. Whether that is the reason Arsenal are willing to shell out €90 million remains to be seen.
Signing Raphinha will be difficult for Arsenal
Arsenal are not alone in the race for the €58 million Barcelona talisman, as Manchester City are also keen on the winger. However, any of those sides will find it extremely difficult to sign the Brazilian, considering his current status and importance to the Catalan giants.
Raphinha reportedly rejected moves back in the summer, and his current performances for the club will compel him further to stay there. Hence, irrespective of what money Arsenal offers and even if Barcelona end up accepting a sizeable bid, Raphinha is likely to reject all overtures and lean towards staying with the Catalan giants in January.
