Arsenal's long-term transfer target ready to be Arteta's PERFECT Saka backup

Suraj Radia

• 18 Jul 2024 19:30 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign one of their long-term transfer targets who could be the perfect backup to Bukayo Saka as Mikel Arteta looks to fine-tune his squad.

The Gunners have narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to Manchester City in the past two seasons, leading to demands for a ruthless summer and an investment into Arsenal’s attacking depth.

While the pursuit of Riccardo Calafiori along with a midfield partner for Declan Rice are expected to be Arteta’s biggest priorities, the need for another forward has proven essential during Arsenal’s near-miss campaigns.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal show interest in Leroy Sane as Nico Williams Plan B

The need for a striker is apparent, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah netting just nine Premier League goals between them last year, however there are also questions being asked over a true alternative to Saka at right wing.

The 22-year-old missed just three Premier League games last season – having played in all 38 matches in the two previous campaigns – and there have been concerns that the England star could suffer from burn out without regular rest.

Part of Arteta’s reluctance to rotate Saka has been due to the lack of a world class backup to the winger but his prayers could be answered by a player Arsenal have long admired.

Raphinha ‘keen’ on Premier League return

HITC have claimed that Barcelona winger Raphinha is ‘keen’ on a return to the Premier League this summer, with the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the potential addition of Nico Williams set to limit his game time next season.

The Brazilian had been reluctant to leave his dream club that he pushed to join for €58 million just two years ago, however Barca have told Raphinha that he is not set to be a starter following talks between the player and the club.

Arsenal, along with Chelsea and Newcastle, were interested in signing Raphinha in 2022 and all three teams have been spoken to over a potential move this summer, with interest from the Premier League said to be high.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

For Arsenal, a deal would provide a world class alternative to Saka and an objective upgrade on current backup Reiss Nelson, who only made one Premier League start last season.

Compared

Bukayo Saka

F (R)

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka

F (R)

Arsenal

VS

Raphinha

F, AM (R)

Barcelona

Raphinha

F, AM (R)

Barcelona

2023/2024

Season Statistics

2023/2024

47	Appearances	37
20	Goals	10
13	Assists	12
3896	Minutes Played	1961
111	Key Passes	53
1582	Passes	803
45	Shots On Target	37
85	Tackles	29
18	Interceptions	15

Nelson is in talks to leave Arsenal and it would perhaps be only then that a move for Raphinha could be entertained, with the Gunners also ready to cash in on Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe for the right price.

While Barcelona are likely to demand in excess of €50m for Raphinha, Arsenal and all interested parties will believe they can negotiate a team-friendly price later in the summer, with the La Liga side keen to cash in due to their ongoing financial struggles.

Bringing a proven Premier League player and Brazil international to the Emirates for a reasonable price could be Arteta’s best solution to the Saka conundrum and potentially the difference maker to finally take Arsenal to Premier League glory.