Arsenal failed to sign Bruno Guimaraes this summer, now he’s spotted another Edu transfer mistake

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Although most Arsenal fans would first and foremost lament the club’s decision not to buy a striker in the summer, Mikel Arteta still seems most determined to sign a new midfielder.

Arsenal are interested in Martin Zubimendi once again, a player who could be the focus of the club’s summer efforts.

Unlike Mikel Merino, who was delighted to head to the Emirates Stadium, Zubimendi wasn’t keen on a Premier League switch this summer, reportedly rejecting both Arsenal and Liverpool.

That being said, Bruno Guimaraes was a top target for Arsenal, at least according to reports at the time.

A deal never happened, seemingly because Edu Gaspar was reluctant to pay his expensive release clause, a decision some Arsenal fans may regret.

Arsenal failed to sign Raphinha when Barcelona were willing to sell

Although, after his performances for Barcelona this season, Raphinha has to be considered the one who got away – the player who would have made the difference for Arsenal.

Arsenal wanted Raphinha and it was constantly being reported that Barcelona were willing to sell the Brazilian.

READ MORE: Arsenal man gets embarrassed by Liverpool teenager for his country, he has no future at the Emirates

Either way, Raphinha remained at Barcelona and has scored 12 goals in 17 games from the right-wing, doing his best Lionel Messi impression.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, Guimaraes hailed Raphinha as the best set-piece taker for Brazil right now, perhaps highlighting another reason why Arsenal should be fuming that they missed out.

Guimaraes pointed out Gabriel Magalhaes’ brilliance from set-pieces, a player who could have benefited from Raphinha’s deliveries at club level in a perfect world.

Asked who was the best dead-ball expert, Guimaraes replied: “Raphinha. Rodrygo is not here now, but he is an excellent free kick taker.

“But Raphinha is having a spectacular moment. So, if anything happens, leave it to him, he is having a great moment.”

Raphinha was right to snub a move to Arsenal

Of course, from Arsenal’s point of view, a key factor will have been Raphinha’s preference over his future.

Raphinha wanted to stay at Barcelona first and foremost – he understood how important he could eventually be.

But that doesn’t fully explain why Arsenal didn’t make a concerted effort to bring the Brazilian back to the Premier League.

Raphinha recently praised Gabriel at Arsenal, a partnership that will seemingly never be in north London, even if Edu seemingly had the opportunity to deliver a masterclass deal.