Latest developments
- Arsenal looking to bolster their attack after poor start
- Gunners have their eyes set on Barcelona's Raphinha
- Mikel Arteta's side prepare €90m offer for the Brazilian
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Fichajes' sensationalisation to be considered
Arsenal have had a rather poor start by the standards they had set over the last two seasons. The Gunners currently sit fourth in the Premier League standings and have shown an overall lull in attack as Bukayo Saka continues to struggle with injuries.
As per Fichajes, the Premier League runner-up from last season have now identified Barcelona's Raphinha as their ultimate target for the January transfer window as Arteta is keen to turn around the slow start to the season.
Fichajes cannot be considered a very accurate source as the Spanish publication is known for its sensationalistic reports on reports that have next to no base.
Value (3.5/5): Barcelona may ask for bigger transfer fee
The report from Fichajes has suggested that Arsenal are preparing a bid worth €90 million (£75m) for Raphinha as they want to sign their long-term transfer target in January. Even for a club like Arsenal, €90 million is not a small amount by any distance, particularly in the January transfer window.
Despite their economic troubles, Barcelona are unlikely to be willing to sell the Brazilian, especially while he has been showing the form of his life. With a contract with the Catalan side until 2027, Barcelona may feel the €90 million offer may not be enticing enough and they could ask for a lot more.
Suitability (5/5): Winger can play all across the attack
Raphinha's key trait so far as been his ability to adapt to a number of different tactics and his ability to understand his role in those set-ups. Additionally, he can play very well on both wings and can also play as a number 10 when called upon.
As such, settling into Arteta's tactics should not be very difficult for the Brazilian due to the situational similarities between the football Arsenal play under the Spaniard and the football he played under Xavi Hernandez in the last two seasons.
Upgrade? (4/5): Saka the only real competition for Raphinha
Arsenal have had a very smooth-flowing forward line under Arteta with Saka leading the attack from the right wing and Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz completing the attacking trio. However, with all due respect to the latter two, Raphinha is simply in a whole different class compared to them, and he can play in both of their positions.
Playing on the right wing would pose the only actual threat to Raphinha as Saka has made that position his own and performed at a top level for Arsenal. However, Raphinha, at the moment, would easily be an upgrade over the England international.
Logic (2.5/5): Raphinha has no reason to leave Barcelona
While the Brazilian may not be a starter on his preferred right side of attack due to Lamine Yamal's superb talent from that side, he has been given a lot of freedom by Hansi Flick, playing alongside Robert Lewandowski and the 17-year-old.
The Brazilian has also been named as one of the four captains of the club and has settled into a very good rhythm in the German's high-risk setup. As such, making a switch while being a potential for the Ballon d'Or next year makes next to no sense for Raphina.
Whisper+ final verdict – 17.5/25
Arsenal obviously need to upgrade their attack as soon as possible and Raphinha will be a massive upgrade for the Gunners. However, it is almost unlikely that the move would come to fruition, at least in January.
The Gunners are much better placed chasing some of their other offensive targets this January and then trying to sign Raphinha next summer if the transfer is something that continues to entice them.
