Arsenal’s struggles in the 2024/25 season have cast a shadow over their title hopes, with Mikel Arteta’s side once again finding themselves trailing in the race. Despite recent years of strong performances and coming close to toppling Manchester City, the Gunners’ pursuit of a Premier League title remains elusive, and this season, their ambitions are slipping further out of reach.
Currently sitting third in the Premier League, Arsenal are six points behind Liverpool, who also have a game in hand, making it an even more difficult challenge. For Arteta and his team, this is a tough situation, especially given the high expectations following their near-miss seasons. With a string of lackluster results and mounting pressure, Arsenal now face the challenge of regrouping and trying to close the gap in the second half of the campaign.
With the January transfer window right around the corner, the Gunners could be eyeing some key reinforcements.
Arsenal target LaLiga winger
Arsenal’s potential January target, Raphinha, is currently one of the most in-form wingers in Europe, and it’s no surprise that Mikel Arteta’s side would be keen on bringing him to the Premier League. While it may seem surprising that Barcelona could consider parting ways with such a key player under coach Hansi Flick, the club’s ongoing financial struggles could leave them with little choice but to sell.
Raphinha’s performances have been impressive, and his ability to add creativity and flair on the wing would make him a valuable asset to Arsenal as they look to bolster their squad and mount a serious challenge for the title. However, Barcelona’s financial troubles may force their hand, and Arsenal are reportedly ready to take advantage of the situation.
According to a report from Graeme Bailey, the Gunners ‘enquired about Raphinha in the summer and they remain in contact with intermediaries’. Should there be the chance to strike a deal in the winter instead, they could pounce.
However, they will not be alone in their quest to sign the Brazilian. The report suggests that title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in doing a deal, having shown a keenness to sign the winger last summer, too.
The article does not make it explicitly clear how much the winger could cost. However, the Catalan club spent £55m on him from Leeds, and a deal for a sale could be around a similar value. However, Barcelona seem certain they will not sell Raphinha yet.
How Raphinha compares to Bukayo Saka
Whether or not a deal to bring the winger in is achievable for Arsenal, there is no doubt that the 28-year-old would greatly enhance the quality of their side. He has been fantastic in 2024/24 so far for Barca, scoring 17 goals and grabbing ten assists in 23 games across competitions.
The winger is absolutely flying in that famous Barca shirt this season. Incredibly, across Europe’s big five leagues, there are only four players with more goals and assists than him, according to FBref. Namely, they are teammate Robert Lewandowski with 18, Omar Marmoush and Harry Kane who both have 20 and Mohamed Salah who has 22.
One thing is for sure, Raphinha would be an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli, at least based on their stats from this season. It has been a really disappointing season for the Brazilian so far, with just four goals and three assists in 22 games in all competitions.
He is averaging 0.31 goals and assists per game this term, compared to an impressive 1.17 for his international teammate. It could certainly be viewed as a big upgrade.
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Although Martinelli is struggling for form, the same cannot be said for Bukayo Saka. Arsenal’s number seven has scored nine goals and has 12 assists in 22 games across competitions, and has received some big praise recently. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, talking to BBC Sport’s Football Focus, said “the evolution of his game is outstanding”.
Interestingly, there can be a statistical comparison made between Raphinha and Saka via FBref. Both left-footed wide players, the pair have impressive creative passing stats this term. Per 90 minutes, the Brazil star averages 3.53 key passes, with the Arsenal winger averaging 3.04 key passes.
Not only would the Gunners be getting another player who can create chances, but someone who can fashion goalscoring opportunities from all sorts of scenarios. The Barca star averages 5.89 shot-creating actions and 0.96 goal-creating actions. That is slightly less than Saka, who averages 6.43 shot-creating actions and 1.52 goal-creating actions.
Signing Raphinha seems like a no-brainer if the deal is possible for Arsenal. He was once described as “one of the best players in the world” by former manager Xavi, and he certainly has the numbers to back that up. The Brazilian could be the man to come in and help drive the Gunners back up the table.