Five reasons why Arsenal should not sign Raphinha

The Gunners have done some serious business already and are looking to add a few new star names to their starting lineup.

Arsenal looked favourite to finish in the top four for the majority of the last term. But missed out on the Champions League spot at the end of the season to direct rivals Spurs. Despite the lack of Champions League football, Mikel Arteta has been able to attract some quality players to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have signed American goalkeeper Matt Turner, Brazilian youngster Marquinhos and Portuguese attacking midfielder Fabio Vieira.

But the gunners are not done there. They are also keen to sign Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans and Leeds winger Raphinha. But here we look at five reasons why Arsenal should stay away from Leeds star Raphinha.

Lack of natural striker in the squad

Arsenal let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang join Barcelona on a free transfer in the January window. French striker Alexandre Lacazette joined his former side Lyon on a free transfer. The club did extend Eddie Nketiah's contract for five further years. But the squad is still lacking in the striker department. Raphinha has played the majority of minutes on the right-wing rather than through the middle.

Transfer fee

The Brazilain winger has a €25m relegation release clause in his contract at Leeds. But with Leeds surviving the drop last season, the club value their Brazilain star at around €65m-€75m. Personal terms will not be an issue at all for Arsenal. But with Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus available for a fee close to €50m, the Gunners should prioritise a move for Jesus rather than Raphinha.

Bukayo Saka

Saka has undoubtedly been Arsenal's best player over the past couple of seasons. The English youngster thrived on the right-wing last season and recorded an impressive 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions last term. Signing Raphinha would mean limited game time for Saka or playing the youngster out of position. Either way, it could hamper Bukayo Saka's development or the Brazilain winger would have to spend most of the season on the bench and make cameos.

Good depth in wide areas

The Gunners already boast one of the best and youngest wingers list in the Premier League. They have the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Ødegaard who can feature out on the wing. The summer additions of Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira further adds good depth to the already stacked wide attacking area.

Lack of leaders in the attack

While Arsenal do have one of the youngest and most exciting attacks in the league. But Mikel Arteta's side clearly lacks leaders in the attack. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe are all exciting prospects but none of them is a natural leader. Raphinha is also a great technical player but is not a leader. Martin Ødegaard is likely to get the armband from Alexandre Lacazette and he looks like the only leader in the Arsenal frontline.

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