Arsenal have enquired about signing Leeds winger Raphinha, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, the Italian journalist confirmed reports last month that the Gunners were vying with the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool for the Brazilian’s signature.
While some fans on Twitter are excited by the prospect of signing Raphinha, others have raised doubts about the deal, considering he would be battling with Bukayo Saka for a place in the starting lineup:
Raphinha is that player who we thought Pepe would be. I love to see him in Arsenal colors.
— S A N G U I N E (@aaayuuuuuuuussh) March 29, 2022
Awful lot of money for a Saka backup lol
— 🏴☠️KG³⁵ (@widefwd) March 29, 2022
I like Raphinha but I dont see him at Arsenal unless Pepe leaves. That RW is for Saka rn and Pepe back up. But would love to see Raphinha at AFC
— Muhsin F. Ahmed (@MuhsinFarah) March 29, 2022
Gakpo & Raphinha as LW & RW competition to Martinelli & Saka respectively would make our attack so deadly, especially with 2 quality strikers like Nunez & another CF available from bench!
— The Dragon King 👑 #ArtetaIn (@DragonKingAFC) March 29, 2022
No point spending that money on a backup to saka
— Alfie Hanison (@AHanison) March 29, 2022
Building that CL depth👌🏽
— Abdallah Ghandour🇱🇧 (@AbdallahGhand) March 29, 2022
At least they calling up all the right players
— Marco Williams (@MarcoYasuke98) March 29, 2022
Brazilian di maria 👀
— Kpathan977 (@KPathan977) March 29, 2022
It should be pointed out that Raphinha can also play through the middle or on the left-wing, but his favoured position is on the right flank, cutting in onto his stronger left foot.
There are reports that the 25-year-old has a release clause in his contract, which may have piqued the interest of Arsenal, but it would be a surprise if the London club stepped up their interest in the winger.
