Things in football can change in an instant as proven with the Raphinha transfer saga that took a major twist on Tuesday evening and could have an impact on two Arsenal stars.
One minute the Gunners were leading the race to sign the 25-year-old Brazil international, as it was widely reported that they had scheduled further talks with Premier League rivals Leeds United and were expected to increase their offer after seeing an opening bid rejected last week.
However, in an amazing turn of events, it would appear that whilst Raphinha could indeed be playing his football in London next season, it will be in a Chelsea shirt instead of an Arsenal one, amid talk that the Blues have reached an agreement with Leeds over a £55m transfer.
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In fact, according to The Guardian, the move is close to being completed as the Gunners are facing up to the prospect of losing out to their London rivals for the signing of the winger, as Thomas Tuchel's side are due to open discussions over personal terms for the 25-year-old.
Of course, had Arsenal signed Raphinha it may have had a ripple effect on Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe's roles for next season as there was the option of moving the former over to the left-wing - as was the case at the beginning of last season - until it was ditched for the first North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Although, problems might have arisen with this plan as the England international increased his goal output last season playing from the right-hand side so a move for Raphinha - who is predominantly a right-winger - would have left manager Mikel Arteta with a big decision to make when naming his best line-up.
With that said, Saka and Raphinha could have played in the same side together but in this scenario, Smith Rowe could have been back into a central midfield role as an upgrade on Granit Xhaka, one of the two '8's alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in the engine room.
The 21-year-old played most of his football from the left-wing last season, often battling Gabriel Martinelli for that spot, and could have been the third-choice option in that role had the Gunners increased their options on the flank with the signing of another Brazilian.
What was always in Smith Rowe's favour if Raphinha joined the club was his versatility, as highlighted by Arteta: "I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions," the Spaniard said after the Gunners failed to sign a striker in the January transfer window closed. "He can play as a left-winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a 9; very, very well I think."
Those comments suggest the attacking midfielder would have remained a big part of Arteta's plans regardless of increased competition for places in the wide areas as he can play in a number of positions - including up front - which is an experiment that is yet to be tested.
So unless there's another twist in the Raphinha saga and Arsenal decide to raise their initial offer to match Chelsea's £55m bid and opt against signing an alternative, then Saka and Smith Rowe should get clarity over their roles for next season as it would remain the same as 2021/22.
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