Arsenal interested in signing Barcelona star as they look to bolster attack

Arsenal have informed Barcelona that they wish to sign Raphinha in 2025, according to TBR Football. The report adds that Liverpool and Manchester City also have their eyes on the Brazilian.

Raphinha has rediscovered himself under Hansi Flick this season. The German manager opted to move the 28-year-old to the right wing to accommodate him and Lamine Yamal in the team.

The decision has unleashed Raphinha, who has registered 17 goals and 10 assists from 23 games this season. His efforts have caused a stir at multiple clubs across the continent.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Brazilian and tried to sign him in the summer of 2022 when he was with Leeds United. However, Raphinha opted to join Barcelona instead.

The Gunners have retained their interest in the player and want him at the Emirates in 2025. They are looking for an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli and a replacement for Leandro Trossard, who could leave next summer.

The north London side want to rope in Raphinha to add more firepower to their attack. Arsenal are hoping to take advantage of the Catalans' poor financial situation to prise the Brazilian away.

However, the LaLiga giants are adamant that Raphinha won't leave. Barcelona are facing complications regarding the registration of Dani Olmo in January, but they are determined not to let that affect Raphinha's future. The player is under contract at Camp Nou until 2027.

Could Arsenal and Barcelona battle for a Premier League ace?

Raphinha has admirers in the Premier League

Barcelona are among the clubs eyeing a move for Manchester United's Marcus Rashford next summer, according to recent reports. The Englishman has been a shadow of his former self of late and remains heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford.

Despite his struggles, the Catalans are apparently eyeing a move for Rashford, who could be available for £40m in 2025. The LaLiga giants are likely to face competition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bayern Munich for the 27-year-old.

However, speaking to talkSPORT, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy advised Rashford to move to Arsenal.

“Playing in a team that’s so settled and so confident and competent, there is a case that his end product would get much better, because Arsenal are really dominant in games. There would be some people who would take Rashford over [Gabriel] Martinelli,” Murphy said.

Barcelona may have to offload players before they can afford a move for the Englishman.