Fabrizio Romano has written in his email newsletter (7:30am, October 18, 2022) that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Barcelona winger Raphinha, who almost joined Chelsea from Leeds United in the summer transfer window.
The well-known and well-respected journalist has reported that Arsenal wanted to sign Raphinha in the summer transfer window.
Romano has added that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the 25-year-old winger.
Barcelona paid Leeds £55 million in transfer fees (Sky Sports) to sign Raphinha in the summer of 2022.
There is speculation that some at Barcelona are questioning why the La Liga club signed the Brazil international.
The winger has scored one goal and given one assist in nine La Liga matches and none in three UEFA Champions League appearances for Barca so far this season.
Arsenal Technical Director Edu told Sky Sports in late July that the North London club were interested in signing Raphinha from Leeds in the summer of 2022.
Edu said that he spokento fellow Brazilian and the winger’s agent Deco, adding that he was told that the star was “dreaming to go to Barcelona”.
In early August, Leeds chief Andrea Radrizzani told The Athletic that a deal was in place with Chelsea for Raphinha, but a late move from Barcelona saw them go back on his word.
Radrizzani added that Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur also wanted to sign the 25-year-old Brazilian star.
MIKEL ARTETA A BIG FAN OF CHELSEA AND ARSENAL SUMMER TARGET RAPHINHA
Romano wrote: “Should Raphinha have joined Arsenal this summer? I’m not big fan of judging a player’s decisions after one or two months: he’s in a new country, new football, new system, new manager, new club. He needs time.
“He’s a top player in a top club and so I think it’s matter of time for Raphinha to find his feet at Barcelona.
“Having said that, he would’ve been the perfect kind of player for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, who is a big fan.”