Arsenal are keeping tabs on Brazilian midfielder Rafinha and could sign him on a bargain deal this summer, according to reports in Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
The 27-year-old who is currently on loan at Celta Vigo has really impressed this season. He can play through the middle and on the flanks and has turned out to be one of the bright lights in an otherwise disappointing season for the Spanish club.
The report in Mundo Deportivo further states that Celta Vigo have the option to make his deal permanent for a fee that will be around €16million. If they fail to do so, the North London club are looking to swoop in and bring the midfielder to the Emirates.
Barcelona are reportedly looking to offload many players this summer in order to bring in funds to ease their financial issues and Rafinha is among that list of players. The midfielder has attracted interest from clubs across Italy, Spain and England.
The 27-year-old has really impressed this season and has proven to be a versatile option. Apart from the options he offers, his transfer fee also appeals to the North London side. Arsenal will be getting a player who can cover multiple positions and will cost relatively less.
Though he has been with Barcelona his entire career, he has not been able to claim a permanent spot]. As a result of that, he has spent loan spells at Celta during the 2013/14 and the 2019/20 season and in Italy with Inter Milan in the 2017/18 season.
Despite a stop-start career, he has managed to contribute key goals that have helped Barcelona win trophies. In the formation that Mikel Arteta usually likes to play, Rafinha can play in the center of midfield or could even play a little further forward.
The Emirates club will have to wait and see what decision Celta Vigo will arrive at. Once there is some clarity on that front, we will know whether Rafinha ends up becoming a Gunner or not.
