In a major setback for Arsenal’s ambitious transfer plans, the Gunners’ pursuit of Barcelona winger Raphinha has been dealt a crushing blow. Catalan media reports have emphatically declared the Brazilian star as ‘non-transferable,’ effectively shattering any hopes Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta had of bolstering their left-wing options with the €58 million (£51m, $68m) talent. As Arsenal eye improvements across the squad, this development forces them to pivot to alternative targets like Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Arsenal have long been monitoring Raphinha, with transfer journalist Graeme Bailey revealing in October that the north London club were poised to ‘sign a new left winger’ in 2026. Bailey specifically highlighted Raphinha as a name that would resurface in discussions, underscoring the 28-year-old’s appeal as a versatile and dynamic option. Currently, Arsenal rely on Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as their primary left-wingers, with Eberechi Eze offering flexibility despite his natural role as an attacking midfielder. Martinelli, at 24, has shown flashes of brilliance—netting five goals and providing one assist in the Champions League—but his Premier League form has stagnated, leaving him without a guaranteed starting spot. Trossard, meanwhile, has been a reliable contributor this season, scoring four goals and registering three assists in eight league starts, though his age of 31 raises questions about long-term sustainability.
Enter Raphinha: a player lauded for his all-around abilities. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone recently hailed him as an ‘incredible’ asset following Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over his side on December 2 at Spotify Camp Nou. Speaking to AS, Simeone gushed: “Raphinha is an incredible player. He can play everywhere. As a winger, as a midfielder, as a striker, or even as a wing-back. He can score, can create, he presses and runs. I don’t know how he didn’t win the Ballon d’Or. For me, I would choose him always.” Despite injury setbacks this season, Raphinha’s output—four goals and three assists in nine combined starts across LaLiga and the Champions League—highlights his value to Hansi Flick’s revitalized Barcelona side.
However, any Arsenal optimism has been quashed by strong reports from Sport, a Barcelona-focused Catalan outlet. The publication insists that Raphinha is ‘one of the sacred cows of Hansi Flick’s project and will definitely remain at Barça after the 2026 World Cup.’ Under Flick, whom Sport describes as a ‘mentor and a footballing ally,’ Raphinha has rediscovered his form after a challenging period following his move from Leeds United. The winger is reportedly ‘happy at the club and in the city, where his family is fully settled.’ Sport further emphasized: “Regardless of how the season, which hasn’t even completed its first half, ends, it’s certain that Raphinha, after his second World Cup playing for Barca, will remain in Barcelona next season. He feels valued and loved. There’s no tempting offer that will change his mind, much to the delight of Hansi Flick, Deco, and Joan Laporta.”
Raphinha himself has poured cold water on transfer speculation. Earlier this month, amid rumors linking him to the Saudi Pro League, he took to Instagram to dismiss the claims: “I don’t know where they get so much real nonsense. Well this one that always comes out (with) fake news, very good.” His commitment aligns with Barcelona’s firm stance, leaving Arsenal to reassess their strategy.
For Arteta, this is a reminder of the competitive nature of the transfer market, especially when targeting stars from elite clubs like Barcelona. With the Gunners pushing for domestic and European success, alternatives such as Semenyo—currently impressing at Bournemouth—could provide the spark needed on the left flank. As the January window approaches, Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see how the club navigates this bombshell development