It wasn't an easy journey to have Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side so far this season.
The Gunners have pushed Manchester City all the way in the title race over the past few years, but they have yet to taste any success. Now, in 2024/25, it looks like things could get much worse for the north London red side.
It ranks third in the Premier LeagueThe Gunners are in second place, six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. It's certainly a frustrating position for Arsenal to be in at Christmas time.
As the January transfer window approaches, the Gunners could be looking at some key reinforcements.
Arsenal targets the Spanish League winger
The man the Gunners are believed to be targeting is one of Europe's most in-form wingers, the Barcelona star Rafinha. It may seem strange that Barcelona would sell such a key player under Hansi Flick, but with financial problems continuing to plague the La Liga giants, they may have no choice.
According to a report from Graeme BaileyThe Gunners inquired about Rafinha in the summer and are still in contact with the mediators. If there is an opportunity to reach an agreement in the winter instead, they could pounce.
However, they will not be alone in their quest to sign the Brazilian. The report indicates that title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in concluding a deal, having shown their keenness to sign the winger last summer as well.
The article doesn't explicitly state how much a suite could cost. but, The Catalan club spent £55 million On him from Leeds, a sale could be worth almost the same. However, Barcelona seems certain that they will not sell Rafinha yet.
How does Rafinha compare to Bukayo Saka
Whether or not a deal to bring in the winger is achievable for Arsenal, there is no doubt that the 28-year-old will significantly boost the quality of their squad. He has been impressive in the 2024/24 season so far for Barcelona, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists. In 23 matches across competitions.
The winger is definitely flying in the famous Barcelona shirt this season. Incredibly, in Europe's top five leagues, there are only four players who have scored more goals and assists than him. According to FBref. They are his teammate Robert Lewandowski with 18, Omar Marmoush and Harry Kane with 20, and Mohamed Salah with 22.
One thing is for sure, Raphinha will be an upgrade over Gabriel Martinelli, at least based on their stats from this season. It's been a really disappointing season for the Brazilian so far, with just four goals and three assists In 22 matches in all competitions.
He is averaging 0.31 goals and assists per game this season, compared to his international team-mate's impressive 1.17. It can certainly be considered a major upgrade.
Move focus
Big money deals, controversial moves and big name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinions via Football FanCast.
Although Martinelli is struggling to find his form, the same cannot be said for him Bukayo Saka. Arsenal's number seven scored nine goals and provided 12 assists In 22 matches across competitionsand has been receiving some high praise lately. arsenal legend thierry henry, Speaking to BBC Sport's Football Focus“The development of his game is fantastic,” he said.
Interestingly, a statistical comparison can be made between Rafinha and Saka Via FBref. Both left-footed players have impressive creative passing statistics this season. Per 90 minutes, the Brazilian star averages 3.53 key passes, while the Arsenal winger averages 3.04 key passes.
|
Rafinha vs Saka key statistics 2024/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
State (per 90) |
Rafinha |
to |
|
Key passes |
3.53 |
3.04 |
|
Passes to the penalty area |
1.86 |
2.03 |
|
Progressive passes |
4.68 |
3.91 |
|
Holds progressivism |
3.33 |
5.07 |
|
Goals and assists |
1.09 |
1.09 |
|
Statistics from FBref |
||
Not only will the Gunners get another player who can create chances, but they will also get someone who can design goal scoring chances from all sorts of scenarios. The Barcelona star averages 5.89 shot creation actions and 0.96 goal creation actions. This is slightly lower than Saka, who averages 6.43 shot creation actions and 1.52 goal creation actions.
Signing Rafinha appears to be a no-brainer if a deal is possible for Arsenal. He was once described as “one of the best players in the world” At the hands of former technical director XaviHe certainly has the numbers to back it up. The Brazilian could be the man to come in and help push the Gunners up the pecking order.
