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Transfers
Director now suggests he was tempted to sell £76m midfielder after reports Arsenal prepared a bid
Arsenal were seemingly keen to sign a new wide midfielder during the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar appear to feel that some depth is needed behind the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, with only Leandro Trossard as competition in those areas.
There were a few wingers Arsenal found themselves strongly linked to – and one Sporting Director has now suggested he was close to selling one after the Gunners prepared a bid…
Barcelona were tempted to sell Arsenal target Raphinha
Deco – Director of Football at Barcelona – has now revealed that he received offers for Raphinha during the summer transfer window, and suggests there was a “temptation to sell” due to financial issues at the Camp Nou.
The 47-year-old is quoted by Fabrizio Romano as saying: “We wanted to keep Raphinha as well as other players. There were offers, but we didn’t want to lose anyone important. We had to increase the level, not lower it. We couldn’t fall into the temptation to sell.”
It comes after claimed that Arsenal had a £50m bid for Raphinha lined up back at the end of July.
The Brazil international was not the only winger Arteta and Edu considered signing during the summer.
A story from David Ornstein stated that Arsenal are huge admirers of Athletic Bilbao No.10 Nico Williams – who has a £50m release clause – and were left impressed by his immense displays at UEFA Euro 2024.
The Spaniard scored two goals and provided one assist in six games as Spain won the trophy in Berlin.
Deal could still happen in 2025
Every player has a price – especially when his club are having financial issues.
Interestingly, have already revealed the Brazilian’s price tag.
It was said that Arsenal could have signed Raphinha if they offered £76.1m during the summer – amid reports the Gunners were plotting that £50m bid.
Therefore, with Barcelona always seemingly in need of cash nowadays, Arsenal could lure the Spanish giants into a sale in 2025 with a bid higher than £50m.