Barcelona set to reject Arsenal's bid for 27-year-old star - Reports
Arsenal's €90 million offer to secure Barcelona star Raphinha's services in January is set to be turned down by the Spanish club, according to reports. The Blaugrana are unwilling to sell the Brazilian, who's been one of their best players this season.
The Gunners have had an undesirable start to the Premier League title race this season. Mikel Arteta's side are sat fourth in the league table, nine points off of league leaders Liverpool amidst turbulent form.
El Nacional recently reported that the Spanish boss was looking to reinforce his attacking options in the winter transfer window and Barcelona's Raphinha emerged as a target. The outlet claimed that Arsenal were willing to pay up to a substantial €90 million fee to sign the in-form winger.
Raphinha has certainly impressed with his performances under Hansi Flick in Spain this season, starting all but one of his side's fixtures so far. He has scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists in 17 appearances in LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League.
According to reports in Spain (via Football365), Barcelona are unwilling to let go of the Brazilian forward, an understandable reluctance given his stellar form. The Blaugrana view Raphinha as an integral player in the club's long-term project, and will only entertain offers from €100 million onwards.
Arsenal did try to sign the winger in 2022 from Leeds United before Chelsea reached an agreement with the club to secure his signature. However, Raphinha ultimately rejected the west London outfit and opted to join Barcelona instead.
"He will choose Man United" - William Gallas makes bold claim over Arsenal and Barcelona target's future
William Gallas believes Sporting CP Viktor Gyokeres will join Manchester United despite links with Arsenal and Barcelona. He insists that the Swedish striker will follow in Ruben Amorim's footsteps.
The Gunners, who are in the market for a striker, have been linked for quite some time with Gyokeres. Meanwhile, the Blaugrana have reportedly identified him as Robert Lewandowski's potential long-term replacement.
Gallas, however, insists that neither club stand a chance. He believes the 26-year-old would prefer a reunion with Amorim, who has departed Sporting CP to take the reins at Old Trafford. He said (via TEAMtalk):
"Arsenal have no chance of signing Viktor Gyokeres, he will choose Man United. Gyokeres will follow Ruben Amorim to Man United, I think Gyokeres would suit Man United’s team too.”
Gyokeres has scored 23 goals and provided four assists in just 18 appearances across competitions for Sporting CP this season. He bagged a hat-trick in their emphatic 4-1 Champions League win over Manchester City on November 6.