Unai Emery has really big boots to fill in at Emirates next season but the former PSG boss seems confident that he can get Arsenal back their glory days. He has a unique recruitment model and signs players that fit well into his system.
But that does not stop the club from scouting for transfer targets they have been after for years to date. One such long-term transfer target, that Emery approves of is Barcelona’s Rafinha.
A product of the La Masia academy, the 25-year old broke into the first team at Camp Nou in 2011 but only managed to get regular first team chances under Luis Enrique, the former boss at Barcelona. But he has had just two productive seasons at the club, winning two league titles and UCL title and is now frustrated with the lack of game time under current boss Ernesto Valverde.
He was sent out on loan to Inter Milan in January and managed 12 Serie A starts, picking up two goals and three assists, showing his adaptability to different styles of football. He is a technically gifted midfielder, with great vision and understanding of the game. He can create chances for his side, can finish off ones offered to him but is also equally adept at blocking passing lanes and winning the ball back in the middle of the park.
He is happy to throw himself around and do the dirty work but is at his best when his side is dominating the game. He can turn defence into attack quickly and can produce passes and crosses that find his teammates in space. He is involved in most attacks when on the pitch and is a pro-active player, happy to run himself into the ground for his side.
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And reports from Spanish news outfit Sport (via. SportsWitness) now claim that Arsenal are ready to make an offer for Rafinha, after being linked with him for more than two summers now. His deal with the Italian giants has a clause that allows Inter Milan to buy him at just £30.9m and Barcelona are expected to ask for a similar fee from potential suitors.
Arsenal should definitely look to meet his valuation as he is a decent fit into Emery’s system. The Gunners are set to lose Jack Wilshere on a free transfer and Rafinha can ease out his loss. He is also an established star, can have an immediate impact on the side and is well worth his price tag.
