12 January 2023 , 10:10
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Edu's comments after missing out on a deal for Raphinha last year suggest that Arsenal could rekindle their interest in the Barcelona forward his month.
Raphinha, 26, was a transfer target for both Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer, but the former Leeds talisman had his heart set on a move to Barcelona. Eventually, Raphinha got his wish - but his dream switch to the Nou Camp has descended into a nightmare.
The Brazilian maestro has struggled to make an impression on Xavi Hernandez and could now be sold in the January transfer window as the Spanish giants attempt to balance the books this month.
That is according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito, who claim that Raphinha's future is in doubt just months after arriving at Barcelona and that the former Leeds man has already been shortlisted for an exit in the winter transfer window.
Coincidentally, Arsenal are once again in the market for attacking reinforcements: Mikel Arteta was already keen on adding a wide forward to his squad in January before Gabriel Jesus was forced to undergo knee surgery due to an injury he sustained at the World Cup.
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And while Arsenal have seemingly moved onto other targets, such as Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk, comments Edu made on Raphinha to his agent and friend, Deco, back in the summer hinted that the Gunners could attempt to lure Raphinha to London again the future.
Speaking to Sky Sports about Raphinha back in July, he said: "I just said to Deco, 'Can you explain to me the situation with Raphinha?' and he was clear, 'Edu, we have a good relationship but I'm not going to lie to you, his idea is to go to Barcelona because he's dreaming to go to Barcelona, and we've been talking to Barcelona since a long time ago.'
Join the debate! Do you think Arsenal should rekindle their interest in Raphinha? Let us know here.
It is believed that Raphinha could be set to leave Barcelona in the January transfer window (Eric Alonso/Getty)"[I said] Okay, thank you very much; if something happens then just let me know because I can explore and understand the situation. If not, no problem and we carry on with our relationship."
Mudryk is known to be the Gunners' primary transfer target; but despite weeks of talks, the Londoners have been unable to thrash out a deal with Shakhtar for the highly-rated 22-year-old, who is also being courted by Chelsea.
If Arsenal are unable to make a breakthrough in negotiations, then Edu's previous comments are a clear indicator that they could instead launch another bid to bring Raphinha to the Emirates.
After seeing their Champions League bid fall flat following a barren transfer window last January, Arsenal will be determined to add to their squad this month in order to supplement their title bid.
At this stage, it remains to be seen whether or not that could lead them back to Raphinha - but stranger things have certainly happened.