Silverware: Raphinha won his first trophy at Barcelona against Real Madrid
(Picture: Getty Images)Barcelona forward Raphinha has indicated his desire to stay at the club amid interest from Arsenal.
Standard Sport understands sporting director Edu Gaspar has made contact with player’s agent – former Chelsea, Barca and Portugal midfielder Deco – as the Gunners hunt for alternatives to Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Despite making two bids for the winger, Chelsea hijacked a move and signed Mudryk on an eight-year contract.
Mikel Arteta is keen on a wide-forward this month even despite his side opening up on an eight-point gap on title rivals Manchester City by beating rivals Tottenham.
Gabriel Jesus will be out for the foreseeable future and international teammate Raphinha was a target during the summer too.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea attempted to sign the Brazil international from Leeds before Raphinha moved to the Camp Nou.
Still, even amid a backdrop of financial uncertainty with the Catalan giants, the 26-year-old expressed his desire to stay after Barca beat Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
"This is my first trophy with this giant club, this enormous shirt of FC Barcelona - it’s incredible,” he said.
“And so now we go for more trophies.”
