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

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • 18 Jul 2024 13:30 CDT
  • 4 min read
Bukayo Saka, Arsenal, 2023/24
© IMAGO

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.

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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 could be set for a Premier League return this summer.
© IMAGO - Raphinha could be set for a Premier League return this summer.

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
Player image Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka

F (R)

Arsenal logo

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka

F (R)

Arsenal

Arsenal

VS

Player image Raphinha
Raphinha

F, AM (R)

Barcelona logo

Barcelona

Raphinha
Raphinha

F, AM (R)

Barcelona

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.

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