With Chelsea having recently hijacked a primary Arsenal target with a €100 million (R1.8 billion) transfer fee, reports suggest the Gunners have now reignited their interest in one of Barcelona's star attackers.
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According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal have been in contact with Barca winger Raphinha's agent as they look to bolster their league title ambitions by adding to their forward line.
The Gunners were reportedly set to sign young Ukrainian sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk in this window, but Chelsea outbid their London rivals significantly to secure the winger's services on the weekend, and it now appears that the Premier League table table-toppers have shifted their focus to the former Leeds United man.
Raphinha was courted by both the Gunners and the Blues during the off-season, but the Brazilian ultimately decided to make his way to Catalonia and join up with Xavi Hernandez.
Since trading Elland Road for the Camp Nou, however, the 26-year-old has struggled to impose himself at the LaLiga giants, leading to reports claiming that Barca are open to letting the skilful attacker leave the club.
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar is understood to have a good relationship with Raphinha's agent, former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Deco, and has been monitoring the winger since he made the move to the Spanish top flight.
Arteta has admitted to wanting to improve his attack following Gabriel Jesus' injury at the end of 2022, and with Raphinha struggling for consistent minutes in Spain, he could be the man to deputise for his compatriot in north London.
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Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati could also be forward options for Arteta to consider, with the Spanish duo having reportedly been transfer-listed by the Catalan giants.
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