Arsenal will need to sign a winger in the summer transfer window after Nicolas Pepe’s reported desire to leave the club. Barcelona has revealed the price tag of a player who could be the perfect acquisition for the Gunners.
According to Spanish news outlet, Mundo Deportivo Barcelona are set to offer players in a swap deal for Raphinha. This report goes on to say that this comes after Leeds demanded €55m (£46.8m) for the Brazilian winger.
Arsenal have previously registered interest in Raphinha, as he would certainly enhance Mikel Arteta’s firepower. With Pepe seemingly on his way out of the club, a transfer for Raphinha certainly makes sense for Edu to pursue.
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It would have seemed bizarre for Arsenal to be linked with the Brazilian because the Gunners already have two left-footed wingers who are strongest on the right-hand side in Bukayo Saka and Pepe. However, the Ivorian has seriously struggled for game time at the Emirates this season.
Pepe’s future is uncertain at the club as the winger wants to leave Arsenal this summer and has instructed his agent to find him a new club, football.london understands. The winger has two years left on his deal and found the game time given to him by Arteta extremely limited during the previous campaign which has likely led to his desire for a way out of the club.
Keeping him beyond two years remaining on his contract will massively debunk his value and increase the threat of losing him on a free transfer which would be an absolute nightmare considering his £72m price tag.
The Ivorian joined the club in 2019 for a club-record fee of £72m from Lille with the highest of expectations due to his success in Ligue 1, but has only contributed with 27 goals and 17 assists.
According to Spanish news outlet Superdeporte, Sevilla have also made contact with Arsenal over the signing of Pepe. The report goes on to say that the Gunners are prepared to let him leave.
If the Gunners were to sell Pepe at the end of the season, then competition for Saka would certainly be needed. Despite the excellent performances the Englishman has shown for Arsenal throughout the season, there has been times when he has shown signs of burnout which was echoed with Arteta admitting at the end of the season that the youngster needs rest.
Raphinha would be the perfect signing for the Gunners if Pepe leaves the club. Costing just £46.8m, he would easily show that he is value for money. Since joining in 2020, Raphinha has been their main threat, which is a major reason why he received recognition from the Brazilian national team. He has also attracted interest from Europe's elite clubs.
With Barcelona also interested, securing his signature will not be easy. But the financial troubles surrounding the La Liga side could give Arsenal the perfect opportunity to swoop in for the midfielder.
