In a stunning development in the football transfer market, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has set his sights on one of Barcelona’s brightest stars, Brazilian winger Raphinha, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey. This audacious move comes as Arsenal aim to bolster their already formidable attacking unit, with Berta looking to succeed where his predecessor, Edu, fell short in 2022.
Arsenal’s Ambitious Transfer Strategy
Arsenal’s summer of 2025 was marked by an aggressive recruitment drive, with Berta securing eight new signings for manager Mikel Arteta. The arrivals of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, and Noni Madueke have strengthened an attack that already boasts world-class talents like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, alongside consistent contributors Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. However, with the futures of Martinelli and Trossard uncertain, Arsenal are reportedly in the market for a left-sided forward in 2026, and Raphinha has emerged as a prime target.
Graeme Bailey, speaking to Arsenal Insider, revealed that Arsenal are preparing to revisit their interest in Raphinha, who has been a standout performer for Barcelona since joining from Leeds United in 2022. “I still think Arsenal will, in 2026, sign a new left winger,” Bailey stated. “Raphinha is a player to keep an eye on.” He also mentioned other potential targets, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, but Raphinha’s proven quality and experience make him a particularly tantalizing prospect.
Raphinha’s Stellar Record at Barcelona
Raphinha has established himself as one of the world’s elite wingers since his move to Barcelona. The 28-year-old Brazilian international has won LaLiga twice and has been a key figure under manager Hansi Flick. His remarkable record at the Blaugrana speaks for itself: 57 goals and 53 assists in 151 appearances. In the 2024/25 season alone, Raphinha delivered an astonishing 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 matches, earning him a fifth-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
This season, Raphinha has continued his fine form, contributing three goals and two assists in just seven appearances across all competitions. His versatility, flair, and clinical finishing make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s high-octane system, which thrives on dynamic wing play and creative output.
Edu’s Previous Failure and Berta’s Challenge
This is not the first time Arsenal have pursued Raphinha. In 2022, then-technical director Edu made a concerted effort to bring the winger to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to Sky Sports at the time, Edu revealed he had discussions with Raphinha’s agent, Deco, who is now Barcelona’s sporting director. However, Deco made it clear that Raphinha’s heart was set on a move to Barcelona. “He’s dreaming to go to Barcelona,” Edu recalled Deco saying, acknowledging the player’s long-standing desire to join the Catalan giants.
Edu’s failure to secure Raphinha’s signature was a significant blow, but Berta now has the opportunity to rectify that miss. However, the task will not be easy. Raphinha, now settled in Catalunya, signed a contract extension with Barcelona in May 2025, tying him to the club until 2028. At the time, he expressed his joy, stating, “Feeling part of the Barca family for another year makes me very happy. My dream is to be here until the end of my career.”
Can Arsenal Pull Off the Impossible?
Despite Raphinha’s commitment to Barcelona, Arsenal’s interest signals their ambition to compete at the highest level. The Gunners’ attacking unit is already among the best in the world, but adding a player of Raphinha’s caliber could elevate them to new heights. His ability to score, create, and perform in big moments would complement Arteta’s tactical vision perfectly.
However, prising Raphinha away from Barcelona will be a monumental challenge. The winger’s happiness at the club, combined with his long-term contract, makes a transfer in 2026 highly unlikely. Barcelona’s financial constraints could offer a glimmer of hope for Arsenal, but Raphinha’s importance to Flick’s side means any deal would command a hefty fee and require significant persuasion.
Other Targets on Arsenal’s Radar
While Raphinha is a dream target, Bailey also highlighted other players Arsenal could pursue. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, despite publicly stating his desire to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, remains on Arsenal’s radar. Nico Williams, the exciting Athletic Bilbao winger, and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who Bailey described as “nobody better in the Premier League at the moment,” are also under consideration. Each player offers a unique profile, but none carry the same proven pedigree as Raphinha.
A Statement of Intent
Arsenal’s pursuit of Raphinha is a bold statement of intent from Berta and Arteta. The Gunners are no longer content with being contenders—they want to dominate. Landing a world-class star like Raphinha would send shockwaves through European football and signal Arsenal’s readiness to challenge for major honors.
For now, Raphinha remains a Barcelona icon, but Arsenal’s interest adds an intriguing twist to the 2026 transfer window. Can Berta succeed where Edu failed and bring the Brazilian superstar to north London? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this transfer saga is one to watch.