In a surprising news, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly eyeing a move for Barcelona star Rafinha this summer. This has undoubtedly raised many questions surrounding the Frenchman’s future at the club. Arsenal are enduring their worst season so far in the last 16 years and both fans and critics have voiced their dissatisfaction with the manager’s style.
Their last defeat to West Bromwich Albion pretty much had everyone convinced that it was time for the 67-year-old to move somewhere else, however, this development indicates otherwise. Arsenal’s poor season has led to numerous speculations over their star players leaving the club and a major overhaul is expected next season, irrespective the manager.
Wenger’s contract expires this season and his future has been a source of numerous assumption in the past week. Spanish news outlet Don Balon claims that the Frenchman is staying and has plans of bringing the La Liga star next season. Among the major names who are expected to leave the club are Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil and Rafinha could actually be a better replacement for the German playmaker.
A central midfielder by nature, Rafinha has also played on the flanks numerous times. Though it is very difficult to break into the first team with Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic operating in the midfield, the 24-year-old Brazilian has managed an impressive 17 appearances so far, scoring six goals and providing two assists.
With Rakitic likely to stay on, Rafinha’s first team chances suffered a further blow and he might be open to a move next season. Arsenal’s midfield has been horrendous this season despite having real quality and the boss, who has often been accused of remaining inactive in transfer windows, has to bring in big names if he wants to enjoy the fans’ support.
Rafinha has been a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy and given Arsenal’s good history with them, Rafinha might just want to move to the club. Rafinha is known for his sublime dribbling skills and impeccable passing. His defensive attributes also make him an ideal candidate for the Premier League. He has three goals and one assist from the right wing this season, which means he could easily take Walcott’s place who has been hugely inconsistent.
However, Arsenal will face competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, who are also keeping tabs on his progress. Rafinha’s contract with Barcelona expires in 2020, which indicates that the player won’t come cheap.
