Arsenal plot bargain for Barcelona star as Edu seeks to capitalize on financial woes
Arsenal could be looking to take advantage of Barcelona's current financial problems and try to sign former Leeds winger Raphinha this summer, according to reports.
The 26-year-old only joined the Catalans last summer and has been performing decently so far but he could end up being sold as they look to generate as much money as possible.< /p>
Barcelona paid an upfront fee of around £50m for Raphinha, with the player signing a five-year deal, but Arsenal could potentially bring him in for even less.
The Brazil international has made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish giants so far, scoring nine times and providing nine assists, giving him an impressive average of 0.46 goals per game.
Indeed, Raphinha has been key to a terrific season for Xavi's side, who are currently 12 points clear of fierce rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
However, the winger could potentially swap one league leader for another this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.
Arsenal sporting director Edu has made no secret that he wanted to sign Raphinha last summer.
According to transfer expert Pete O'Rourke, nothing changed his mind in the following months.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: "I think it's possible that they can review the situation with Raphinha.
"It seems Arsenal's sporting director Edu is a big fan of his fellow Brazilian."
Barcelona's recent financial troubles have been well documented.
They had to sell club icon Lionel Messi to Paris Saint Germain in 2021 to balance the books, for example, as they could no longer afford his salary.
Last season they managed to clinch a second place in La Liga but still finished 13 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.
They were also knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage, before being knocked out of the Europa League in the quarter-finals.
European football disappointed the Catalans again this season, with another exit in the group stage - before Manchester United knocked them out of the Europa League in the round of 16.
With Barca currently top of La Liga, they appeared to be on their way back to greatness under Xavi, but given their current financial situation, there could be more shock departures this summer.< /p>
As a result, Arsenal could potentially capitalize on this by sealing a cheap deal for Raphinha.
On that, O'Rourke added: "A lot will depend on what happens at Barcelona this summer."
"If they need to sell players to raise funds, which seems likely, Raphinha could be made available on the market.
"And I'm sure it will pique Arsenal's interest if they think they can land the ex-Leeds man on the cheap."
READ MORE: Amadou Onana back in three-way race for Arsenal after Man Utd exit
Arsenal could be looking to take advantage of Barcelona's current financial problems and try to sign former Leeds winger Raphinha this summer, according to reports.
The 26-year-old only joined the Catalans last summer and has been performing decently so far but he could end up being sold as they look to generate as much money as possible.< /p>
Barcelona paid an upfront fee of around £50m for Raphinha, with the player signing a five-year deal, but Arsenal could potentially bring him in for even less.
The Brazil international has made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish giants so far, scoring nine times and providing nine assists, giving him an impressive average of 0.46 goals per game.
Indeed, Raphinha has been key to a terrific season for Xavi's side, who are currently 12 points clear of fierce rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
However, the winger could potentially swap one league leader for another this summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.
Arsenal sporting director Edu has made no secret that he wanted to sign Raphinha last summer.
According to transfer expert Pete O'Rourke, nothing changed his mind in the following months.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: "I think it's possible that they can review the situation with Raphinha.
"It seems Arsenal's sporting director Edu is a big fan of his fellow Brazilian."
Barcelona's recent financial troubles have been well documented.
They had to sell club icon Lionel Messi to Paris Saint Germain in 2021 to balance the books, for example, as they could no longer afford his salary.
Last season they managed to clinch a second place in La Liga but still finished 13 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.
They were also knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage, before being knocked out of the Europa League in the quarter-finals.
European football disappointed the Catalans again this season, with another exit in the group stage - before Manchester United knocked them out of the Europa League in the round of 16.
With Barca currently top of La Liga, they appeared to be on their way back to greatness under Xavi, but given their current financial situation, there could be more shock departures this summer.< /p>
As a result, Arsenal could potentially capitalize on this by sealing a cheap deal for Raphinha.
On that, O'Rourke added: "A lot will depend on what happens at Barcelona this summer."
"If they need to sell players to raise funds, which seems likely, Raphinha could be made available on the market.
"And I'm sure it will pique Arsenal's interest if they think they can land the ex-Leeds man on the cheap."
READ MORE: Amadou Onana back in three-way race for Arsenal after Man Utd exit
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