### Arsenal Ready to Splash €90m for Barcelona’s Raphinha Amid Liverpool Interest
Arsenal are reportedly prepared to offer €90m to secure Barcelona winger Raphinha, but they face stiff competition from Liverpool, who view the Brazilian as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.
### Arsenal’s Attacking Struggles
The Gunners have lacked attacking fluency this season, managing just 13 open-play goals in 11 Premier League games. Much of the creative and goalscoring burden has fallen on Bukayo Saka, particularly with Martin Odegaard sidelined.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have struggled for consistency, while Kai Havertz’s performances have been inconsistent. Summer signing Raheem Sterling, brought in on loan from Chelsea, has also failed to make an impact, appearing off the pace when given opportunities.
### Arteta Eyes Raphinha
In response, Mikel Arteta is reportedly prioritizing attacking reinforcements. According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are preparing a significant bid for Raphinha, a player who has been consistently linked with a return to the Premier League since his move from Leeds United to Barcelona.
The Catalan club were previously open to offers of around €50m for the winger, but Raphinha’s resurgence under new boss Hansi Flick has changed the equation. His impressive form this season—12 goals and 10 assists in 17 games—has seen his valuation soar.
Arsenal are said to be ready to tempt the 26-year-old with an “astronomical salary” that would make him one of the Premier League’s highest-paid players. They are also reportedly prepared to guarantee him a central role in the team.
### Liverpool’s Interest
Liverpool are also in the mix, viewing Raphinha as a potential successor to Salah, whose future remains uncertain. The Egyptian’s current contract expires in the summer, and while Liverpool are working to secure his extension, Barcelona are reportedly monitoring the situation.
If Salah leaves Anfield, Raphinha has emerged as a top candidate on Liverpool’s shortlist to fill the void.
### Barcelona’s Position
Despite Raphinha’s excellent form alongside Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly keen on adding a “new star” to their attacking lineup. This could create an opportunity for either Arsenal or Liverpool to swoop in for the Brazilian.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are also tracking Salah, along with other attacking talents like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Rafael Leao, and Nico Williams, as they prepare for potential changes to their forward line.
### Conclusion
With both Arsenal and Liverpool keen on Raphinha, the battle for his signature could intensify as the January transfer window approaches. Arsenal’s willingness to break the bank reflects their determination to address their attacking deficiencies, while Liverpool’s interest hinges on Salah’s contract situation. Either way, Raphinha’s future could significantly impact the landscape of both the Premier League and La Liga.
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