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Topics: Arsenal, Raphinha, Mikel Arteta, Barcelona, Premier League, Transfers
Will Evans
Topics: Arsenal, Raphinha, Mikel Arteta, Barcelona, Premier League, Transfers
Arsenal have been handed a major transfer boost over their pursuit of a winger with a Barcelona star potentially on the way out of the club.
The La Liga leaders have been told that they will not be able to enter the transfer market unless they raise £178m from selling current players, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Barcelona's financial struggles have been headline news and they now face another dilemma and need to raise funds quickly.
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The club recently spent big to acquire striker Robert Lewandowski and winger Raphinha, but are still in a hefty amount of debt even after auctioning off their future TV rights money.
Several clubs from across Europe will be poised to secure some of Barcelona's top talent so if they wish to comply with the rules then they won't struggle to offload players.
One club that is interested in signing one of their key stars are Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Not only are Arsenal fighting at the top of the table, but with their attractive football under manager Mikel Arteta, it's easy to see why players want to move to the Emirates.
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A return to the Champions League next season will also see a larger transfer budget and the Gunners are already making plans to use it.
According to The Times, Arteta is planning a summer overhaul and wants to sign at least four players.
High on his list is West Ham star Declan Rice but he also wants to strengthen Arsenal's flanks by signing a winger.
If Raphinha is available then the move makes a lot of sense due to the Premier League experience he already has.
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The Brazilian spent two years at Leeds United where he made 67 appearances and was directly involved in 29 goals.
It earnt him a £55m move to Barcelona where he has continued to impress so if he's available at a similar price this summer then it would be a smart move for any club.
Arsenal have done well to keep up with their demanding schedule this season, but if they are to continue fighting on all fronts then they need more strength in depth.