Arsenal once set their sights on a £50m deal for winger Raphinha while he still played for Leeds United. The Gunners prepared to spend big in a bid to bolster their attacking options.
The Barcelona star shone brightly this season, and his performances raised eyebrows across Europe. Yet, Arsenal now question whether his profile is worth the hefty price tag.
Bukayo Saka has grown into a vital force for the Gunners. His steady development casts doubt on the necessity of spending £50m on a replacement option.
Charles Watts revealed that signing Raphinha would have stunted the rise of academy prodigy Ethan Nwaneri. He even remarked, “I’ve got NO respect for him, he’s even worse than Mario Balotelli!” in his exclusive column for CaughtOffside.
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Arsenal once believed that spending over £50m to rotate with Saka was essential. The club chased Raphinha as a means to add depth to their right-hand side.
Ethan Nwaneri, the 17-year-old wonderkid, stole the spotlight against Leicester. His performance placed him head and shoulders above his peers during the first half of the game.
Some fans argue that Raphinha might have eased Arsenal’s injury woes this season. However, the emergence of Nwaneri reassures supporters that the club’s academy can provide the necessary cover.
The Gunners now shift their focus away from expensive transfers. With exciting youth talent on the rise, Arsenal plan to invest their funds elsewhere and build for the future.
