Don’t worry about Nico Williams, Arsenal could complete transfer for ‘phenomenal’ Ballon d’Or contender instead this summer

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Arsenal have a slim chance of signing Raphinha from Barcelona this summer, Arsenal Insider understands.

Raphinha is enjoying an exceptional season for the Spanish giants, scoring 30 goals and providing 21 assists in 49 games in all competitions thus far.

This form has sparked calls for the Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or, while clubs around Europe are hoping that there’s a possibility that they can somehow sign the player.

Raphinha has been the subject of interest from Arsenal for a very long time, and they may finally be able to land their man this summer.

• READ MORE: ‘Pushing him towards Arsenal’… £60m striker now Andrea Berta’s ‘most likely’ signing this summer

Arsenal have ‘a chance’ of signing Raphinha this summer

Arsenal’s primary winger target this summer is Nico Williams, with the Spaniard understood to be hugely admired by both Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta.

However, Arsenal Insider revealed this week that Williams will be difficult to pry away from Spain, as he has his heart set on playing with compatriot Lamine Yamal at Barcelona.

If Williams to Barcelona were to materialise, then it could open the door for a Raphinha exit.

It would be a shock for the Catalan side to sanction the departure of a player of the former Leeds man’s calibre, but TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that intermediaries are suggesting that a deal isn’t implausible.

“The thing with Raphinha is that he’s due for a new contract,” he said.

“He’s had a remarkable, phenomenal season and we know Arsenal tried to sign him previously. He’s someone that they love.

“From what I’m told, there’s some intermediaries that are putting it out there to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool – previous suitors. They’re suggesting there might be a chance to get him this summer.

“I’ll reiterate that it’s intermediaries doing that, but you can’t dismiss intermediaries because a lot of transfer deals that happen are conducted by intermediaries.

“If Barcelona got an offer of £80 million to £100 million, could they move him on? I don’t see it being a likely option but you do look at the age profile and if Barca don’t think he’s playing until he’s 32, could you move him on?

“It’s an interesting one. In this world of football, you can’t rule anything out. They could sell Raphinha for a huge profit and buy Nico Williams.”

Raphinha’s statistics 2024/25

There’s no questioning Raphinha’s quality, nor that he’d be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

At Leeds, he was a right-sided playmaker, dictating the game from deep on the touchline at Elland Road.

At Barcelona, he’s adapted to the emergence of Yamal and developed into one of the most ruthless goal-scoring left-wingers in world football, whilst maintaining impressive creative output.

The Brazil international would dovetail perfectly with Bukayo Saka, forming one of the most devastating wing partnerships in Europe.

Amassing 1.03 expected goals plus expected assists per 90, Raphinha is guaranteed to contribute at an extremely productive rate in the final third.

Having said all this, it looks incredible unlikely that Barcelona would sell one of their most prized assets, and thus, the dream for Arteta must live on.