According to latest reports, Bayern Munich full-back Rafinha has found himself in huge demand just before the summer transfer window and one of his prime suitors are struggling North-London club, Arsenal. The Brazilian right-back hasn’t seen regular first-team action this season under Carlo Ancelotti and a move might well be on the cards.
In a recent interview with FourFourTwo, Rafinha stated, “… I have a few offers from Premier League clubs… I always follow the Premier League matches. It’s very exciting watching a tournament where six or seven teams can fight for the title. It’s probably the best league in the world.”
His admiration for English football is undeniable and it now comes down to the fact if Bayern needs him anymore. He has played just 19 times this season, of course being second fiddle to Phillipe Lahm, and given Bayern’s transfer plans of replacing their captain, Rafinha doesn’t see himself in Ancelotti’s grand plan.
Bayern Munich have already secured the services of Hoffenheim’s duo, defender Niklas Sule and midfielder Sebastian Rudy back in January, which indicates that the 31-year-old’s first team chances will grow slimmer next season.
Arsenal are in a desperate need of an experienced full-back in that position after injury-plagued Mathieu Debuchy and terrible Carl Jenkinson have left little option for Wenger in that role. The Frenchman has switched to a three-man defence of late, which allows him to deploy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the right wing-back role for the moment.
First-choice Hector Bellerin hasn’t been at his best of late and is serving bench time momentarily. And he is the only natural player in that position left for Arsenal now. Wenger had been even forced to play centre-half Gabriel Paulista in that role earlier in the season when all options were sidelined with injuries, and he would not want to repeat that next season.
Rafinha is known for his disciplined defending up and down the right flank. His offensive approach makes him suitable for a right winger’s role too. An academy product of Londrina Esporte Clube PR, he first got his break in first-tier Brazilian side Coritiba Foot Ball Club. Three successful seasons there and FC Schalke picked him up in 2005. He had a decent five-year Bundesliga stint with them following which Serie A side Genoa bought him in 2010.
One good season in Italy and Bayern came calling in 2011. He has played 200 games of Bayern now assisting 23 times and scoring four goals in the process, He will undoubtedly be a brilliant option for the Gunners alongside Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi at the back and could play a big role in the club’s redemption season next season.
