Arsenal could 'go after' £60m 'match-winner' at the Emirates | OneFootball

Arsenal might be a destination that Leeds United winger Raphinha ‘has to consider’ in this transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 25-year-old is expected to seek pastures new this summer after enjoying two successful seasons at Elland Road with a host of top teams from across the continent vying for his signature.

What is the latest news involving Raphinha?

A recent report by The Telegraph claims that Arsenal are the latest side to consider a move for Raphinha, who Phil Hay lauded as having “the feet of a ballet dancer”, as the race for his signature begins to heat up.

It’s claimed that the Gunners are hoping to ‘strengthen their forward line’ and ‘increase the size of their squad’ ahead of their return to European football next season, and the Brazil international features on their list of potential targets.

Previously, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Raphinha’s agent Deco was in ‘advanced talks’ with Barcelona over a possible move to the Camp Nou.

However, the Catalan giants’ dire financial position is making any deal impossible to conclude for the immensely talented forward at this moment in time.

The Mirror has also stated that Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City, West Ham and Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on Raphinha’s situation, while Leeds have placed a £60 million price tag on their prized asset.

What has Jones said about Raphinha?

Jones doesn’t believe the Emirates Stadium will be Raphinha’s destination of choice, but that if he hasn’t secured a move later down the line, he could be open to joining Mikel Arteta’s charges.

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In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I can understand why they might go after him.

“I don’t think that’s what Raphinha has in mind when he’s been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona and whoever else, but if we get further down the line in this transfer window and he’s still at Leeds, it might be one he has to consider.”

Do Arsenal need Raphinha?

Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka shone on the wings last term for Arsenal, particularly in the second half of the campaign, racking up 32 goal contributions in their combined 79 appearances.

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However, record signing Nicolas Pepe lost the faith of Arteta, starting just five top-flight fixtures throughout 2021/22, and the north London outfit will surely need more strength in depth out wide next season.

Adding competition for places should only elevate the standards already being set at Arsenal, and with the addition of the Europa League, there will be plenty of game time to fit Raphinha, who has been labelled a “match-winner”, in without the likes of Martinelli and Saka missing out.