Journalist Charles Watts has tipped Arsenal to seek out alternatives to Raphinha as it looks like they will suffer a ‘blow’ and miss out on the player.
Not that long ago, it looked as though the Brazilian would be swapping Yorkshire for London as the Gunners made a very real attempt to sign him.
However, it now looks as though the Leeds United winger will be heading to a different part of London, with Chelsea leading the race for his signature – although Barcelona could still land their man.
Either way, it now seems unlikely that Raphinha will join Arsenal in what has been a ‘disappointing’ development for the club. Watts took to Twitter to say as much, but pointed out that other players could still be signed.
He wrote: “No doubt it will be disappointing should Raphinha end up at Chelsea. It felt like he could make a major impact next season and would have really strengthened the attacking options alongside the arrival of Jesus. It’s a blow, but still plenty of time to work on alternatives.”
Will Arsenal still spend big on a winger this summer?
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TIF thoughts on Arsenal and their transfer plans…
Having already signed Fabio Vieira from Porto this summer, and with Gabriel Jesus poised to arrive in the near future too, Arsenal have at least strengthen their attack already.
Even so, as Watts points out, it will come as a bitter blow if Raphinha doesn’t join, especially if he ends up at Premier League rivals Chelsea instead.
However, if the Gunners were ready to spend big on the Leeds man, it suggests they have money to splash on one of those possible ‘alternatives’ alluded to by Watts.
It remains unclear as to who the club’s next possible winger target could be, but it seems as though there is still ample reason for fans to be optimistic about Arsenal’s upcoming transfer business.