Arsenal's weak start to the season leads Mikel Arteta to consider the possibility of requesting a notable investment from the Gunners' board for next season. The London team is fourth in the Premier League, nine points behind the leader Liverpool, while in the Champions League they have 7 points (12th) after four games.
In principle, the San Sebastián coach would have as his main objectives the signing of a full-back and a forward, with his sights set on two of FC Barcelona's 'starters'. According to the latest information, to amortize both signings, Arsenal would be willing to pay more than 150 million euros to the culés' coffers, understanding Barça's need to make cash to get out of their troubles with the financial 'Fair Play'.
Mikel Arteta wants Raphinha in 2025
The Spanish coach is looking to bring in a top scorer in 2025 and, at the moment, there are few forwards in better shape than Raphinha. The one from Porto Alegre has already surpassed his numbers from the two previous seasons with Barça, adding 12 goals and 10 assists in 17 games.
For this reason, Arsenal would not hesitate to put up to 90 million euros on the table for the 27-year-old winger, who is also a highly coveted attacker in the Premier League after his good time at Leeds United. Chelsea failed in their attempt to sign him in 2022 and at the Emirates Stadium they do not want to pass up the opportunity to bid for the Brazilian to try to form a lethal trident with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
The club already has Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus in the squad, as well as Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling. However, none of them have performed at the level expected in the British capital.
A big offer for Koundé is not ruled out by Arsenal either
Likewise, the Gunners would be willing to pay a million dollars for Jules Koundé, understanding that Barça will hardly let him go next summer, two years before the end of his contract. Like Raphinha, the Frenchman has a termination clause of 1,000 million euros and the London team could offer around €70M for the Parisian.
Arteta is not at all satisfied with the team's defensive performance (they have conceded 12 goals in 11 Premier League games) and prioritizes strengthening the wings. Hence the interest in Barça's '23', who this season has established himself as the best right back in the world. Arsenal only have Ben White and Tomiyasu (injured) for the right side, two players very far from the French international's current level.
For Barça, both offers would be difficult to reject, but it will be the players who have the last word to decide whether they stay in Catalonia or bathe in gold in another team, perhaps with a less attractive sporting project than the Catalans, but with a much more robust checkbook.