Arsenal After Brazilian Replacement For Debuchy?

Arsenal After Brazilian Replacement For Debuchy?

In what could mark the end of Mathieu Debuchy at Arsenal, German media outlet BILD are reporting that Arsenal have made an offer for Bayern Munich’s Márcio Rafael Ferreira de Souza who is simply known as Rafinha. The Brazilian full back is able to play in every position in defence.

According to BILD, Arsenal believes they can sign the Brazilian for as little as £6 million as his contract expires in 2017 with no talks of a renewal. Rafinha who is 30, joined Bayern Munich in 2011 from Genoa and has gone on to make a total of 113 appearances for Bayern Munich.


This report, if true would mean Wenger doesn’t see a return back to the club for Mathieu Debuchy who is currently on loan at French league one side Bordeaux. This seems like an unlikely deal as it is well documented that Wenger does not make a habit of signing 30 year old defenders especially when Arsenal are well covered in that position with the mega-talented Bellerin plus Chambers and Jenkinson on the books.

Debuchy was obviously bought from Newcastle United to be number one but after serious injury to Debuchy Bellerin stepped in and has not looked back making himself undroppable. Everyone knew Bellerin was going to break into the first team one day unfortunately it was at Debuchy’s expense as Bellerin broke into the first team faster than anyone thought, due mainly to an injury to Debuchy. He could have provided the young Spaniard with the right experience and competition unfortunately he is now on loan and may not come back to the club.

By signing Rafinha, Wenger will be getting in a replacement for Debuchy and also give Bellerin the much needed competition. Also, the experience of the Brazilian will rub off on the likes of Jenkinson and Chambers and even Bellerin himself. The experience of the Brazilian will also be useful to the team when there is crisis. Arsenal needs as many winners as possible in the team and Rafinha offers just that.

Another thing good about this report is that Wenger seem to be working on all his transfer dealings before the transfer window opens proper which is great news. Knowing the Frenchman, he does no bidding wars and if he waits till others start their summer window shopping, there is a good chance that just like last summer, the Gunners will end up with various excuses for not completing deals.

Rafinha reportedly earns £80,000 a week with Bayern Munich at the moment which won’t be a problem for Arsenal.

Contributed by Jens Keinert