Edu ‘big admirer’ of ‘devastating’ £55m star at the Emirates

Arsenal sporting director Edu is a “big admirer” of Barcelona winger Raphinha, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

The 26-year-old is once again being linked with a move to the Emirates, and O’Rourke thinks he is still on the Gunners’ radar after they missed out on him last summer.

Arsenal transfer news – Raphinha

According to the Evening Standard, Edu has already made contact with Raphinha’s agent Deco to see if a transfer to Arsenal this month is possible.

It comes after the Gunners watched Mykhaylo Mudryk move to their London rivals Chelsea.

Arsenal’s interest in Raphinha is not new, with the Premier League outfit having targeted the winger last summer.

As per BBC Sport, they were keen on him before his £55m move from Leeds United to Barcelona.

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Raphinha and Arsenal?

O’Rourke says Edu is a fan of the player and is confident that he is still on Arsenal’s radar.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: “It makes a lot of sense, Arsenal’s interest in Raphinha. They were obviously very keen on signing him last summer before he moved to Barcelona, so I’m sure he has remained on the radar.

“Edu is a big admirer of his fellow Brazilian as well and thinks he could be a good fit for Arsenal.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Confirmed Deals, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Should Arsenal make a bid for Raphinha this month?

If Barcelona are willing to let him go, then yes. He is a quality wide man who would improve Arsenal’s attacking options.

Of course, Raphinha has not proven to be a huge success in Spain yet, scoring just two league goals in his first 15 league games for his new club, as shown on Transfermarkt. However, in the Premier League, he looked very convincing.

In his last campaign at Leeds, Raphinha completed 1.9 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game, the two highest averages in his squad in those areas (via WhoScored). In total, the Brazil international registered 11 top-flight goals.

The Telegraph described him as a “devastating winger”, and it is not hard to see why. Perhaps he is yet to show that at Barcelona, but the ability is there.

What year did Arsenal move into the Emirates Stadium?

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All in all, if Arsenal can finally land Raphinha this month, he could be an amazing addition to their squad and give Mikel Arteta’s side a huge boost in the title race.

The former Leeds man has obviously not been at Barcelona for too long, though. It would be a surprise if they gave up on him so quickly.

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