According to NowArsenal, FC Barcelona winger, Raphinha, was a top transfer target for the Gunners in this transfer window. However, the London club rejected the Barcelona winger’s high wage demands, which turned out to be a “blessing” for the Spanish giants.
Arsenal were looking for a world-class winger in the summer transfer window. Their main goal was to boost their attacking options and provide healthy competition to their star boy, Bukayo Saka. Arsenal managed to sign Raheem Sterling on the deadline day of the transfer window from Chelsea on loan. However, the pursuit of a world-class showed their intention to build a formidable attack for the current season.
Raphinha made a name at Leeds United, before a high profile transfer move to Barcelona. The Brazilian forward terrorized the defenses with his incredible pace, dribbling ability, and an eye for the goal. This made Raphinha an exciting prospect for the big European clubs. The Gunners saw Raphinha as a great option to improve squad depth and bring creativity with Brazilian flair to the attack. However, the negotiations broke down between the player and the club. Raphinha’s preferred position has always been on the right-wing, which is already occupied by Saka at Arsenal. The Brazilian’s demands for regular playtime became a deciding factor for the deal to collapse.
A look into Arsenal’s amazing transfer business this summer
The summer transfer window saw the rebuild of the Arsenal squad under Mikel Arteta. The departures of key players like Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson, became an important factor to improve the attack. Moreover, the Gunners needed to improve their attack to stay competitive in the domestic and European competitions. Benjamin Sesko was their top transfer target for this summer. However, the Gunners could not manage to reach an agreement for the player which saw the deal collapse.
The Gunners tried to explore more options in the transfer window. Nico Williams was another player linked to the Gunners, after the youngster had an amazing Euros campaign. However, the Spanish winger was interested in moving to Barcelona, looking forward to building a partnership with Lamine Yamal. Arsenal saw the opportunity to sign Raphinha, in case Barcelona signed Nico Williams this summer. However, there was no deal was done for Nico, therefore, no deal for Raphinha.
Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo was also a transfer target for the Gunners. Mbeumo’s striker partner, Ivan Toney, had been long linked to Arsenal. However, neither of them joined the North London giants, with Mbeumo staying put, and Toney moving to Saudi Arabia instead.
In the end, The Gunners signed Raheem Sterling, who along with Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, has joined the London club. Fans are delighted with the transfer business of their club this summer.
FC Barcelona’s “Blessing in Disguise”
After the signing of Nico Williams collapsed, Raphinha got to stay at Barcelona for another season. However, this turned out to be the best decision, as the Brazilian winger has got a “rebirth” under the new manager, Hansi Flick. The Brazilian star has been “on fire” this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists in just 4 games.
Raphinha was struggling to find consistency, and failed to become a key player for Barcelona under Xavi last season. However, the Brazilian forward is giving great performances under Hansi Flick. The Brazilian’s recent performance came in a 7-0 victory over Real Valladolid, where he delivered a hat-trick and provided two assists.
The transition from Leeds to Barcelona was a difficult one for Raphinha. However, after the 2022 World Cup, the Brazilian is consistently improving and become a key player for Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s tactics are giving the attackers a new chance to shine. Barcelona are on top of the table in La Liga after winning all four of their opening games. Raphinha will try to continue winning with Barcelona in the Champions League starting in September. Hansi Flick and Barcelona will face Bayern Munich, to get a chance to take revenge for previous horrors.
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