Mikel Arteta can complete two-year Arsenal scouting mission and sign dream £84m transfer target

Arsenal's pursuit of a wide forward was well documented over the summer. With the likes of Nico Williams and Leroy Sane linked with a move to the Gunners, in the end Raheem Sterling was the man who came in.

The 29-year-old joined on loan from Chelsea on deadline day but has so far struggled to make an impact in north London. This has led many to believe Arsenal may well go back into the transfer market to improve the quality and depth of the squad once more.

One name who is believed to be a target is Raphinha. The former Leeds United man has started the 2024/25 season on fire, scoring 12 goals and assisting 10 more in 17 appearances for Barcelona.

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The left-winger, who can also operate centrally, has really stepped up his output this campaign and his impressive form has helped Hansi Flick's side storm to the top of La Liga. Interestingly, despite his incredible form, Barcelona are reportedly willing to let Raphinha leave due to their ongoing financial problems. The Brazilian, who joined from Leeds in 2022 for around £55million, is now valued at around €100million (£84million) by the Spanish giants.

football.london reportedly extensively throughout the summer that Arsenal are interested in signing players who would improve the front line, with club chiefs in agreement that Arteta's squad would benefit from more strength in depth. football.london also reported in the summer of 2022 that Arsenal were among the sides interested in signing Raphinha, although the winger was set on a move to Barcelona.

So, despite sporting director Edu resigning from his role earlier this month, it remains possible that Arsenal attempt to strike a deal with Barcelona for Raphinha in January or the summer, hence completing the Gunners' two-year scouting mission. Of course, finances may be an issue given the sums of money involved but the summer exits of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale may mean there's some money to play with.

Raphinha is said to like playing at Barcelona, however, and denied he wanted to leave when he was linked with an exit in the summer transfer window. “I have a few more years on my contract and I plan to fulfil them,” he said at the time. "I have already said many times that signing for Barcelona was a dream, and I will do everything possible to stay here for many years.”

The tricky winger does love the Premier League, though, and that could tempt him to move to a club such as Arsenal. Speaking in 2021 when he was at Leeds, the Brazilian told Sky Sports: "I'm loving being part of this competition, playing in a league that I've always admired. In my opinion, the Premier League is the best championship in the world. It has the best players, the best clubs. The games between the teams are more competitive."

It's unclear at this stage if Arsenal would be willing to fork out the required amount to prise Raphinha away from Barcelona. If the Gunners did have the funds, though, they certainly would be bringing one of the most in-form talents in world football back to the Premier League.