Leeds United's Brazilian midfielder Raphinha Dias Belloli moves off to take a set-piece during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on February 26, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Jon Super / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JON SUPER/AFP via Getty Images)
3 reasons why Raphinha is the perfect signing for Arsenal
by Adam Schultz
Leeds winger Raphinha has been linked with a move away from Elland Road, and the Gunners are reportedly interested in the 25-year-old.
With the transfer window officially open, Arsenal can go about its business of recruiting players. Gabriel Jesus and Youri Tielemans have been two of the more prominent names to be linked with the club.
But rumours have been circulating that Leeds winger Raphinha is now on the transfer wishlist of Mikel Arteta. The Brazilian winger scored 11 Premier League goals last campaign and would add an extra dimension to the Gunners’ attack.
Arsenal are among the clubs who are considering a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, Telegraph Sport understands. There has been no formal offer, but Raphinha is understood to feature on their list of potential targets. [Telegraph] #afc pic.twitter.com/pZU5OhIXf2
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) June 10, 2022
With much of the club’s focus being on securing the Jesus and Tielemans deals, the opportunity to perhaps grab a ready-made Premier League player is reportedly there for the taking.
3 reasons why Raphinha is perfect for Arsenal
If the Gunners did pursue the 25-year-old, would he be a good fit in north London? I look at why the speedy Brazilian is the perfect signing for Arsenal.
1. Fits Arsenal’s style of play
https://twitter.com/goal/status/1428113452653072384?s=20&t=tiOkC3Fc1RSU7_-91HzKsg
The tricky winger has everything needed to be a serious player at the Emirates. With incredible close control and unreal dribbling ability, the 25-year-old was one of the division’s most consistent performers throughout the year, often making a mockery of opposing full-backs.
With Mikel Arteta liking to heap pressure on the opposition without the ball, that is right in the Brazilian’s wheelhouse as he loves the defensive side of the game. His versatility is another trait Arteta will love.
The Spaniard likes his players to be able to play in multiple positions which Raphinha can do. He can operate on either wing or play the number ten role to aplomb. While the winger is severely left-footed, he is not shy from using his right either, which makes stopping him incredibly tricky as most times, he can go either side of the defender, and more often than not, he goes right by them.
The Brazilian is also calm and composed in front of goal, something that Arsenal forwards of late are not. Given how many opportunities could come his way with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey threading balls in behind, Raphinha’s ability to tuck away chances will make him an instant hit at the Emirates.
His football IQ is also something that should be noted. With the players mentioned above, the Brazilian has the chance to link up and dazzle opposing defenders with his stellar combination play. Imagine the havoc he could cause for Arsenal next season.
Continued on next slide…
#afc</a> <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://t.co/pZU5OhIXf2">pic.twitter.com/pZU5OhIXf2
<p>— afcstuff (@afcstuff) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://twitter.com/afcstuff/status/1535227139263455233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>June 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>With much of the club’s focus being on securing the Jesus and Tielemans deals, the opportunity to perhaps grab a ready-made Premier League player is reportedly there for the taking.</p>
<h2>3 reasons why Raphinha is perfect for Arsenal</h2>
<p>If the Gunners did pursue the 25-year-old, would he be a good fit in north London? I look at why the speedy Brazilian is the perfect signing for Arsenal.</p>
<h2>1. Fits Arsenal’s style of play</h2>
<p>https://twitter.com/goal/status/1428113452653072384?s=20&t=tiOkC3Fc1RSU7_-91HzKsg</p>
<p>The tricky winger has everything needed to be a serious player at the Emirates. With incredible close control and unreal dribbling ability, the 25-year-old was one of the division’s most consistent performers throughout the year, often making a mockery of opposing full-backs.</p>
<p>With Mikel Arteta liking to heap pressure on the opposition without the ball, that is right in the Brazilian’s wheelhouse as he loves the defensive side of the game. His versatility is another trait Arteta will love.</p>
<p>The Spaniard likes his players to be able to play in multiple positions which Raphinha can do. He can operate on either wing or play the number ten role to aplomb. While the winger is severely left-footed, he is not shy from using his right either, which makes stopping him incredibly tricky as most times, he can go either side of the defender, and more often than not, he goes right by them.</p>
<p>The Brazilian is also calm and composed in front of goal, something that Arsenal forwards of late are not. Given how many opportunities could come his way with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey threading balls in behind, Raphinha’s ability to tuck away chances will make him an instant hit at the Emirates.</p>
<p>His football IQ is also something that should be noted. With the players mentioned above, the Brazilian has the chance to link up and dazzle opposing defenders with his stellar combination play. Imagine the havoc he could cause for Arsenal next season.</p>
<p><em>Continued on next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Reason #2 Why Raphinha is Perfect for Arsenal </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_126809" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-126809 size-full" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2091,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1398703544.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2091" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1398703544.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1398703544-768x502.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Raphinha of Leeds United celebrates scoring their side’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brentford and Leeds United at Brentford Community Stadium on May 22, 2022, in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>2. Add serious squad depth</h2>
<p>That is perhaps the key for Arsenal next season, adding players for superior squad depth. Such is Raphinha’s desire to play on the right-hand side for Leeds, a position that a certain starboy occupies; he could prove to be a valuable backup.</p>
<p>On the other side of that, he could be deployed on the left with his dynamic runs and crossing ability sure to be on show at the carpet.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">⚪️ Raphinha for Leeds in the Premier League last season:</p>
<p>⚽️ Goals – 11<br>🅰️ Assists – 3</p>
<p>💪 Having directly contributed to 33.3% of their league goals, no wonder Leeds are keen on keeping the Brazilian at Elland Road! <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://t.co/4jQW8Ev31s">pic.twitter.com/4jQW8Ev31s
<p>— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://twitter.com/WhoScored/status/1533016960870494208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>June 4, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>With the Gunners playing in Europe again this upcoming season (not the one we wanted but baby steps, eh?), the 25-year-old will no doubt get his fair share of game time in north London, especially given that Nicolas Pepe is reported to have one foot out the exit door.</p>
<p>Having a player of Raphinha’s calibre come off the bench or start in the league would be critical to Arsenal’s season. He’d also allow Mikel Arteta to rest Bukayo Saka as the 20-year-old played all 38 Premier League games last campaign, something that can’t be the norm if we want him to have a long and successful career.</p>
<p><em>Continued on next slide…</em></p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Reason #3 Why Raphinha is Perfect for Arsenal </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_126810" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-126810 size-full" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2232,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1396736580.jpeg" alt="" width="3200" height="2232" srcset="https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1396736580.jpeg 3200w, https://paininthearsenal.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1396736580-768x536.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Raphinha of Leeds United battles for possession with Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea at Elland Road on May 11, 2022, in Leeds, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h2>3. Boosts Arsenal’s attacking options</h2>
<p>Last season, the Gunners only had three players; Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah, net double-figure goals. That is not enough. Arsenal need more attacking firepower, and the Brazilian certainly brings that.</p>
<p>With Alexandre Lacazette gone and Pepe reportedly wanting out, a position has opened up in the Gunners’ attack for the 25-year-old. While perhaps not a starter, he will undoubtedly put pressure on those above him in the pecking order to perform well.</p>
<div class="embed ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since the start of the 2020/21 season in the Premier League, just THREE players have created 100+ chances AND completed 100+ take-ons: </p>
<p>🔵 Grealish <br>⚪️ Raphinha<br>🔴 Mane <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://t.co/iMY8iRlvnD">pic.twitter.com/iMY8iRlvnD
<p>— LiveScore (@livescore) <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://twitter.com/livescore/status/1533358713230196736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>June 5, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2022/06/11/3-reasons-why-raphinha-is-the-perfect-signing-for-arsenal/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>Raphinha netted 11 times last season, just one behind Arsenal’s top scorer Saka, so his potential addition will be a welcome boost to the club’s attack. He also grabbed three assists, and if he were part of the Arsenal setup, one would imagine that number to skyrocket, making him a serious player at the Emirates.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
