Barcelona to pounce on star who could unlock spectacular Arsenal transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Apr 2024 21:15 BST
4 min read

Barcelona are ready to pounce on Bryan Zaragoza's summer availability, according to Spanish media.

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The 22-year-old winger's season has been a real tale of two halves. A star at Granada during the first half of the campaign, Zaragoza has barely featured since moving to Bayern Munich in January.

The Bavarians had initially signed the Spaniard for the summer window after his spectacular early-season form, which saw him rank among Europe's best wingers and which lead to a call-up to the Spanish national team. However, after an injury to Kingsley Coman, Bayern decided to bring Zaragoza's move forward.

Thus far, it has been a nightmare for him in Munich, having only featured in 35 minutes so far. Head coach Thomas Tuchel has publically admitted that he's not playing because he doesn't speak German and that he's struggling to settle in.

Sky Germany now reports that Zaragoza could be sent out on loan in the summer in a bid to help him get back up to speed. Off the back of this, Sport claims that Barcelona could pounce on this opportunity, having previously wanted to sign the winger.

Zaragoza to unlock Raphinha exit?

It is claimed that the Blaugrana could make a move at favourable conditions. While a straight loan would likely not be attractive, it could be a different story if Bayern were to agree to a purchase option. Sky reports that Stuttgart star Chris Fuhrich is a potential replacement, which suggests that the Bavarians may be open to offloading Zaragoza permanently.

This, then, could set in motion a spectacular exit from Catalunya. Barcelona winger Raphinha is the subject of unceasing speculation, with the cash-strapped Catalans reportedly having earmarked the Brazilian as a candidate to flush much-needed funds into the club's coffers.

Premier League interest in the former Leeds man has never disappeared and the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool continue to be linked with him. Though he wouldn't come cheap, Raphinha could be the signing that takes the Gunners to a new level.

Their recent draw against Man City once again illustrated that Mikel Arteta desperately needs adequate cover for star man Bukayo Saka and the 27-year-old could offer exactly that. If Barcelona can get a good deal for Zaragoza, Raphinha could be on his way back to the Premier League.

Read more about: La Liga, Bundesliga, Premier League, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern, Raphinha