Arsenal 'want' to complete transfer involving £75m star who has hit back at current club's fans

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Arsenal are said to be interested in a Barcelona star who would cost them big money next summer.

Arsenal are said to be lining up a pricey deal ahead of next summer as they continue their mission to build the Premier League’s strongest squad. The Gunners have improved the level of quality in their squad significantly in recent years, helped by emerging talents and strong recruitment in the transfer market.

Sporting director Edu Gaspar has played a big role in that, but Arsenal are currently in the process of replacing him after his decision to resign and seek a new challenge. The search for a new sporting chief is ongoing, while the player recruitment process is also a continuing cycle, with clubs at this level boasting an untold amount of scouts, who are scouring the market for young and more established talents who can help the club bridge the title gap.

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One player who is being linked with a summer switch to Arsenal is Barcelona winger Raphinha. The Brazilian has enjoyed a strong season for the Blaugrana so far, The 27-year-old has scored 12 and assisted 10 in 17 appearances across all competitions this season.

It hasn’t all been plain-sailing for him since his £50million move from Leeds United, and he was linked with a move away from Barca as they looked to sign Nico Williams last summer. But the Catalan club will be glad they kept hold of him, now reaping the rewards with Barca sat atop La Liga.

Arsenal need more competition out wide, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli struggling to reach their usual standards so far this season. Though, it’s reported Raphinha will cost £75million, and that would be a huge statement for the Gunners, with Arteta also risking upsetting Martinelli, who would likely be impacted the most by the signing of a new pricey winger.

Fichajes say Arsenal are interested in the deal, but any deal would only be possible in the summer transfer window.

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Raphinha on speculation

Raphinha has recently hit back at the talk of him being offloaded by Barca to make room for the aforementioned Williams. “Yes, I saw a picture in social media with someone printing a Barca shirt with Nico Williams and my number at the back,” he said. “I left a comment in that post because I think it was disrespectful. People need to keep their respect to the players from the club who try to do their best for the shirt. It did not sit right with me and the work I do here."But in the end people can do whatever they want.”

He added: “This wasn’t a special motivation for me to be honest. I think my desire to perform at my best also arrives after knowing the contract years I have left with the club. If before I was working at 100 per cent, now I’m at 200 per cent.”

Barcelona was a dream move for Raphinha, who declined Premier League interest to join the Spanish club. However good he is playing, his future could hinge on whether Barca do push to sign Williams next summer, with the Athletic Club star expected to move on from Bilbao ahead of next season.

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