Why Arsenal should make a move for Barcelona’s Rafinha

According to Sport (h/t Daily Star), Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona star Rafinha ahead of the new campaign.

The report suggests that the Brazilian could leave Camp Nou with New manager Ronald Koeman looking for an overhaul of the squad. However, the Gunners could face competition to secure his services as Premier League rivals West Ham and Everton are also keen on securing his services.

With just one year left on his contract with the Catalan giants, he could be available for as little as £14m, as per the report.

Profile

Born in Brazil, Rafinha started his journey with Flamengo and Ureca de Vigo before rising through the ranks of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. Earlier in his Barcelona days, he was sent on loan to Celta Vigo before returning in the summer of 2014.

He went on to win several trophies with the Catalan side, including four league titles, five Spanish Cup titles and one Champions League title. However, in the last few seasons, he has been overlooked and has spent most of the time on loan. Last season, he managed to 4 goals and 1 assist in 29 league games.

Rafinha could add depth to Arsenal’s midfield

The Brazilian is an attacking midfielder by trade but is also capable of operating on the flanks and in central midfield. At the Emirates, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has got limited options in midfield. Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos, who formed a brilliant partnership with Granit Xhaka, has returned to Spain after his loan spell came to an end.

Joe Willock is the only other attack-minded central midfielder in the squad. Frenchman Matteo Guendouzi didn’t feature since the game against Brighton and has been frozen out of the squad so far. Hence, Rafinha’s inclusion could add depth to their midfield ranks.

In the attacking midfield role, Mesut Ozil hasn’t been at his best. The German managed to score just one goal and 2 assists in the 2019/20 league season. He was also left out of the squad since the restart.

Thus, the Gunners could make use of the Brazil international in that position. Though his numbers may not be among the best, they should take a gamble on him. His versatility could also come in handy for the manager.

Moreover, Rafinha has made over 250 career appearances and has been on the winning side for the majority of his career. And the Gunners could also benefit from his experience.

Read more

• Why Arsenal should continue in their pursuit of Andrea Petagna
• Why Arsenal must land Amadou Diawara in place of Lucas Torreira

Verdict

At 27, the Brazilian has a few more years left to play at the top level and could be a useful addition to Arteta’s squad. He could provide them with some much-needed depth, whilst also bringing in healthy competition to the squad. Thus, they should manage to lure Rafinha to Emirates his summer.