Transfer Profile: Raphinha
Transfer Profile: Raphinha
Silly season, I mean transfer season, is in full swing.
And with Premier League rivals left and right splashing the cash on shiny new signings, more attention than ever is turning towards Arsenal's transfer dealings.
Mikel Arteta's side finished fifth in a bittersweet campaign that was ultimately scuppered by a lack of forward options.
The decisions made in the next couple of months will be crucial in determining whether the North Londoners can take the next step and qualify for the Champions League next term.
So, let's take a look at one player who could make a massive difference.
Who is Raphinha?
Leeds United signed the Brazilian forward from Rennes for around £17 million in October 2020.
That came off the back of an impressive season for the Ligue 1 side, which saw the winger score five goals and register three assists from 22 appearances.
Since then, Raphinha has gone from strength to strength and will be very familiar to all Premier League fans.
An influential member of Marcelo Bielsa's swashbuckling side, the 25-year-old has netted 17 times in his 65 appearances for the West Yorkshire club.
His form has even earned him a spot in the national team set-up, featuring nine times and scoring three goals for the Selecao.
Those performances, coupled with Leeds' flirtation with the Championship last season, mean an exit from Yorkshire looks inevitable.
And though Barcelona has long been touted as his preferred destination, their financial constraints may allow the Gunners to swoop in.
What would he bring to Arsenal?
Raphina is a quick, direct and incredibly skilful forward who can play across the front line.
He is in many ways similar to Arsenal's most potent attackers and would easily fit into the system deployed by Arteta.
Despite playing for a relegation contender for much of the season, the forward's Premier League statistics are comparable to what has been on show at the Emirates.
Raphina has matched Bukayo Saka's 11 goals this season while pitching in with three assists.
His 266 minutes per goal is only bettered by Emile Smith Rowe's 192, and he once again matches Saka with two chances created per 90 minutes.
In the mould of Brazilian wingers of old, Raphinha likes to take on his defender, and he has decent end product.
He is also not afraid to unleash a blistering drive on his stellar left foot.
Conclusion
If the question is whether Arsenal should sign Raphinha, the answer is a resounding yes.
The issue for Arsenal will be the competition from some of Europe's most prestigious clubs, particularly when those sides can offer Champions League football.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, that'll be the issue for several of their top summer targets.
Leeds are reportedly after a fee in the region of £47 million, which should be no problem for the club, especially if there are departures going the other way.
And with the Qatar World Cup approaching, it appears the Brazilian's primary aim is to play at a high level in order to secure his position in the national team squad.
Whether Arteta can deliver a good enough pitch to persuade him to join is the biggest quandary.
But there can be no doubt he would be a great addition to this Gunners side.
Image Credit: Getty Images
