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Arsenal make initial£40 million offer for Barcelona star, awaiting permission to speak with player

Arsenal are looking to get ahead of their business as the January transfer window is just around the corner. To that tune, the Gunners have reportedly submitted a £40 million bid for Barcelona star man Raphinha as the Spanish giants continue to struggle with finances, per Arsenal Fanatic News.

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The aforementioned report also states that while the club can continue to pay players already registered with LaLiga, the same will not be the case with newer players, meaning Barca will not be able to make new signings.

This could force the club to offload some pricey assets such as Raphinha, who was heavily-linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea during his time playing for Leeds United. He can play on either wing and can also be deployed as a false nine, making him a prized asset from the Gunners’ perspective. Additionally, injury to Bukayo Saka will keep him out for close to three months, which will compel the north Londoners to enter the market.

Can Arsenal steal a march in their pursuit of Raphinha?

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While this situation is by no means ideal for Barcelona, they could be forced to offload players such as Raphinha, Dani Olmo and a couple others in order to create salary cap space for other players in vital positions. Meanwhile, players from La Masia could be fast-tracked into the first team to ensure that manager Hansi Flick does not run out of options.

Raphinha joined Barca in July 2022 and has since made 112 appearances for the club across all competitions. A key player in the squad, the Brazilian has scored 37 goals and provided 35 assists as he has become one of their most important senior players. He has also been seen wearing the captain’s armband with great regularity this season, adding importance to his role in the squad.

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While this could make it tough for Barcelona to part ways with the 28-year-old, they could not have been in a more compromising position and will be forced to let their prized asset leave. It remains to be seen if Arsenal’s offer can tempt them to sell.