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Chris Byfield
Barcelona star Raphinha would “seriously consider” a move to Arsenal in the summer, a journalist has claimed.
On Sunday the title race was blown wide open as Liverpool came back from two goals down to claim a 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
The Gunners squandered the opportunity to claim their first Anfield victory since 2012 and go eight points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City at the Premier League summit.
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While Mikel Arteta’s side remain six points clear and have their fate in their own hands, the sight of their seven-game winning run ending will only embolden City, who have played a game fewer and are still to welcome Arsenal to the Etihad later this month.
As Arsenal are wrapped up in a fierce battle to claim the Premier League title, the club’s recruitment team appear to be working on signings behind the scenes.
A name that has been linked to the north Londoners for several windows is Raphinha.
Arsenal were allegedly one of the teams interested in the winger before he left Leeds for Barcelona last summer. However, the table toppers may have the opportunity to have a second bite at the cherry in the coming window.
Though Raphinha has impressed in his short time at Barcelona, he has mostly operated as Ousmane Dembele's understudy on the right flank.
And Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport that should Raphinha leave the Catalan giants in the summer Arsenal are one of the teams the Brazil international “would seriously consider”.
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O’Rourke said: “I’m sure Raphinha, if he was to leave Barcelona, Arsenal would maybe be one of the clubs that he would seriously consider, considering the project that’s going on right now at the Emirates Stadium.
“Obviously, it looks like Champions League football is going to be on offer at Arsenal and they could be Premier League title winners as well.
“So it’s an exciting project for any player that Arsenal are interested in and will boost their chances of signing their top targets.
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“If Arsenal are playing Champions League football next season, they’re going to have to bolster their squad and Raphinha could be an astute signing.”