Arsenal 'given green light' to complete £50m transfer two years after being turned down

Two years on from being snubbed by Raphinha, then of Leeds, Arsenal can finally sign the Brazilian winger after reportedly being given the green light from the player. After keeping Leeds in the Premier League, Raphinha got his dream move to Barcelona despite strong interest from the Gunners, Chelsea and Newcastle, but he could be on the move again.

Following the emergence of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who occupies the same position as Raphinha, Barcelona have felt that they can go some way to easing their financial woes by offloading their elder star.

And HITC claim that Raphinha is now keen on a return to England, having turned down the opportunity to leave the Nou Camp a year ago, despite being a consistent performer under Xavi.

Following discussions with new boss Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, who used to be Raphinha’s agent, the player has been informed that his playing opportunities will be limited further as Barcelona hope to bring in fellow Euro 2024 star Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.

The 27-year-old has made it clear to his admirers in England and Saudi Arabia that he is ready to leave Barcelona this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle spoken to. Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa have all also been made aware of his situation.

He also retains interest from the Saudi Pro League, but Raphinha’s preference is a return to the Premier League, with Barcelona demanding a fee close to £50million. That would recoup the initial outlay to Leeds in 2022.

When Raphinha was preparing to exit Elland Road, he made it clear that Barcelona was his ideal destination, with Leeds sympathetic to his ambition and turned down multiple offers from Arsenal while the Spanish giants took time to fix their financial situation before stumping up the cash.

Arsenal could be in the market for another winger this summer, with Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe expected to depart in search of more regular game time.

The Gunners have been searching for several years for another right-winger to ease the physical burden on Bukayo Saka, with fears of burnout very real after another long season for the England Euros star.

Raphinha’s versatility could see him fill in on either flank, with Mikel Arteta aware that if Saka is injured or in need of a rest, the Brazil international can step in and ensure there is little drop-off in quality.

With the majority of Arsenal’s first team set, barring a midfield and left-back addition, sporting director Edu can afford to pay a premium for a player of Raphinha’s quality. He could push Saka to an even higher level and potentially challenge for a spot on the opposite flank, which was shared by Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli last season.