Missing out on Raphinha will be a painful but not entirely surprising blow to Arsenal this summer. The idea of spending upwards of £60 million on a player who wouldn’t have started over Bukayo Saka at right-wing on the opening day of the season is not the biggest transfer disappointment you’ll ever see.
Furthermore, despite Arsenal needing some reinforcement in a wide forward role to help with the goal expectations of next season, there are other areas that need upgrading at a higher priority. A versatile defender and central midfield are of greater importance.
Lisandro Martinez is the priority target in the defensive area whilst Youri Tielemans has been a long-term link to the Gunners throughout the summer until recent reports suggested it had ‘cooled’. That said, with Raphinha now unlikely perhaps this might reignite Arsenal’s push to sign the Belgian?
READ MORE: Why Arsenal’s Raphinha transfer move is likely to fail with Chelsea his likely destination
Especially considering the market for wide forwards appears to continue to inflate financially. The number of goalscoring wide players is at a slight premium and football.london has suggested potential alternatives to Raphinha were Arsenal to miss out on the Brazilian.
One player not on that list was Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma. The former Bournemouth winger has shone since his move to La Liga granting him interest from all over Europe and in the Premier League.
He signed for the Yellow Submarine in a deal worth £21.3 million after scoring 15 goals in the Championship. He became a key part of their Champions League run to the semi-finals last season.
West Ham are one of the interested clubs as Fabrizio Romano reported that the Hammers were willing to spend as much as €40m (£34.4m) on the Netherlands youth international. The now 25-year-old however has so far not agreed on terms with the east London club.
Whilst this does not directly impact Arsenal with the club not currently pursuing the winger, it represents the level of money that the Gunners will likely have to pay for an alternative. It was clear Edu is aware of Arsenal’s needs and does not want to overspend on one position that would compromise the clubs ability to move for another.
This explains the incremental bidding process for Lisandro Martinez with Ajax. If Arsenal can save money on any target, it enables them more flexibility with other positions.
Yet there is an obvious risk that the negotiation process opens the door for other clubs to swoop in, similar to Chelsea with Raphinha - although that deal may not even happen. This is sure to provoke a response from supporters if Arsenal miss more targets and there is sure to be a lack of understanding when the difference in price might seem assailable.
In fairness to that potential frustration, it has a point. This season is pivotal to Arsenal and perhaps signing two priority targets is better than three plan Bs, Cs or even Ds.
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