Arsenal have reportedly ‘made contact’ with their alternative to Mykhailo Mudryk following his shock transfer to Chelsea.
The Premier League leaders chased Mudryk for some time, lodging three official bids to Shakhtar Donetsk over the last month.
Mudryk wasn’t shy in expressing his interest in joining Mikel Arteta’s side either. He pictured himself watching the Gunners’ 4-2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion last month and called Arteta a ‘top coach’.
Chelsea have since hijacked Arsenal’s move for the 22-year-old, announcing his arrival on Sunday during their home game against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal are desperate for reinforcements in attack with Gabriel Jesus still out with a knee issue he picked up during the World Cup.
Eddie Nketiah is their only senior striker, while Gabriel Martinelli was their only left winger before Emile Smith Rowe’s return from groin surgery earlier this month.
It’s accepted they’ll likely need more firepower if they want to hold off Manchester City and win their first Premier League title in 19 years.
Per Sport Italia, Arteta and sporting director Edu have already moved on from Mudryk to identify Barcelona winger Raphinha as an option out wide.
Arsenal initially showed interest in Raphinha over the summer while he was a Leeds United player.
Chelsea again attempted to hijack the move, but both teams were left with egg on their face when he decided to move to La Liga.
Raphinha’s struggled at the Camp Nou, only managing to score twice in 15 league appearances. The Catalan giants have a wealth of wingers, including Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
It’s claimed Blaugrana coach Xavi is starting to grow frustrated with the Brazil international and will cash in at the right price after spending £57 million on him in the summer.
While Raphinha is a right winger by trade, his arrival would allow Bukayo Saka to fill in on the left if required.
Arteta stressed how important arrivals this month were before the transfer window opened. He told reporters: “We knew the importance of getting players early in the summer and that is the same we want to do in January.
“This is idealistic. Sometimes it is not realistic. But obviously, if you ask my opinion, as quick as possible we want the players in to get settled.”
