Raphinha emerged as somewhat as a surprise candidate for Arsenal during this summer transfer window. The Gunners were after signings at striker, central midfield and defence, but a wide player did not appear high up on the agenda, especially for the figures being suggested.
It is not necessarily a shock to see Arsenal willing to spend large amounts on a position that is not key to their summer plans. The arrival of Ben White for £50m in 2021 stands as evidence of this when it seemed central midfield, attacking midfield and right-back were higher up on the list of priorities.
This summer, Arsenal again have areas that look to be in more dire need of reinforcement, upgrade and competition than the wide forward role. Arsenal have Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli plus Martin Odegaard and new boy Fabio Vieira, who can and have played in wide roles.
