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Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has hinted at Arsenal’s potential return for Raphinha, as Barcelona may need to «take wages off their books» this summer.
Raphinha was a target for Arsenal, along with many other sides, last summer. This followed a second season at Leeds United, in which he scored 11 times and provided three assists despite the struggling whites.
While the Gunners were in the mix, Barcelona were the team that earned the striker’s services. That deal was initially said to be worth around £55 million.
The striker has impressed in his new squad this season. He has missed just two La Liga matches, having scored seven goals and assisted on six occasions.
Indeed, it seems that the relationship between the player and his new team is going smoothly. However, that won’t stop another party from trying to kidnap him, which is that Sky Sports the man Sheth thinks Arsenal could make, following their earlier interest.
«I still think the right forward position is probably an area they want to strengthen too,» She said GIVEMESPORT.
“Bukayo Saka has done incredibly well as we all know but we also know that last summer they tried to get Raphinha and I wonder if they will try again.”
Sheth cites Barcelona’s current situation as a reason why they may be considering the sale. In fact, their finances haven’t been in the best shape of late, with a lot of behind-the-scenes moves needing to be made in order for the books to be balanced.
With a potential return of Lionel Messi on the cards, however improbable it might seem, some of the more expensive players in the squad would certainly need to make way.
«I think Barcelona is a club that intrigues everyone and is one to watch this summer,» added Sheth.
“Because if Messi were to make that incredible comeback, it won’t come cheap and you would guess there would have to be some departures to take wages off the books at Barcelona.
“Could Raphinha be one of those who could be allowed to leave and would Arsenal revisit him? I think this summer will be very interesting indeed.
The Gunners’ interest in Raphinha was before Saka established himself as one of the best players in the league.
However, the Brazilian would certainly be a good asset to any team, with reference to his exit to both Leeds and Barcelona. Additionally, teams that regularly contend for titles have quality players pouring all over the pitch.
As such, while the forward line has looked quite difficult to get into for much of this season, having a quality option to occasionally call upon and give competition to other squad members wouldn’t be a bad thing for Arsenal.
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