Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta might be looking to sign midfielder Rafinha from FC Barcelona during the summer transfer window – as per the Daily Mail.
Rafinha has come up through the ranks at Barcelona but over the years he has not been able to cement his place in the first-team squad and right now he is out on loan to Celta Vigo.
The Daily Mail quotes Mundo Deportivo saying: “Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, according to reports in Spain.
“The Brazilian, 27, is currently on loan at fellow Spanish side Celta Vigo and could be available on the market for around £13million.
“And Mundo Deportivo believe that the Gunners are one of three European teams looking to prize him away from the Camp Nou this year.
“The same publications says the La Liga giants are reportedly looking to offload several of their stars this summer due to financial strains caused by the coronavirus pandemic.”
Will Rafinha be the perfect choice for Arsenal?
Rafinha has played in 22 La Liga matches for Celta Vigo this season but has managed to find the back of the net only two times which raises serious doubts over the kind of impact he can have at the Emirates next season.
But given that Arsenal about to send Dani Ceballos back to Real Madrid, they need to bring in a new attacking midfielder. And Mikel Arteta seems to have shortlisted Rafinha for that role.
Despite their interest, the Premier League side will not find the transfer so easy since Inter Milan are also keen to bring the 27-year-old on board during the summer. Two years ago, Rafinha spent six months on loan at the San Siro club.
Also, Celta Vigo have an option to buy the Barcelona loanee for a fee of £13million which they could trigger in the summer.
While we have serious doubts over the signing of Rafinha but with Dani Ceballos heading back to Spain and Mesut Ozil also likely to be sold, Arteta has no other option but to bring in a direct replacement asap.
