Raphinha 'makes decision' on Arsenal transfer as Gunners eye Mudryk alternative
Arsenal target Raphinha has no plans to join the north Londoners this month, according to reports.
The Gunners remain on the lookout for new recruits as they seek some more firepower. They had been keen on Mykhaylo Mudryk, but they refused to pay Shakhtar Donetsk's asking price before Chelsea swooped in to complete a £87million move for the winger.
It has left Arsenal seeking new targets and they could reignite their interest in Raphinha, who was on their radar back in the summer. Leeds eventually cashed in on the Brazilian, with Barcelona spending over £50m to acquire his services. He's endured a mixed time at the Nou Camp in the months since.
Despite that, Mundo Deportivo understands that the player's entourage have no interest in changing club mid-season and he will see out the campaign in Catalunya. That is despite reports suggesting that Barcelona would be open to Raphinha's exit.
The player recently posted on social media to underline his commitment to the Spanish giants. He said: "The first of the season, the first with this giant shirt that is Barcelona. Just thank you for this amazing moment. Let’s go for more."
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Arsenal have opted to work with a very thin squad under Mikel Arteta, but are hoping to take advantage of their excellent first half of the season. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have commanded the wide-forward berths, but there is a lack of cover should one get injured.
Raphinha only moved to Barcelona last summer (Eric Alonso/Getty)Who should Arsenal pursue in the transfer market? Join the debate in the comments section.
Already, Arteta is dealing without summer signing Gabriel Jesus, who is sidelined for an extended period. Eddie Nketiah has come in to fill the void but, with the club fighting on several fronts, more depth is needed if Arsenal are to achieve their ambitions.
Arteta was quizzed on Mudryk decision to move to Stamford Bridge on Sunday and responded: "We have excellent players. We want to improve our squad in this transfer window and when I say we, [I mean] myself, the coaching staff, the staff, the players, the board, and ownership. We are all in this together, but we will do the deals that we can do and that we believe is right for the football club."
Brighton's Leandro Trossard has been linked as another potential target. The playmaker has fallen out with manager Roberto De Zerbi and could leave the club after he was left out of the squad for Saturday's win over Liverpool.
Arsenal's recruitment - led by sporting director Edu - has been crucial to their rapid rise up the table and the north Londoners will be determined to get the right player for the right price after backing out of a move for Mudryk
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