Arsenal linked with Barcelona pass-master: Potential steal of the summer?

Transfer story

Reports from Spain have now suggested that Premier League giants Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are all keen on signing 24-year old Brazilian international Rafinha from Barcelona, in the current transfer window. The story comes in stating that the player — who has impressed as a young talent over the years — is struggling for game time at the Nou Camp and is considering his options as he looks to play regular football.

The midfield superstar played just 18 times for the Catalan club in the previous season and would have not been happy spending the remainder of the campaign off the pitch.

Further, his season ended early due to an injury to his knee in April and he is still recovering, with a potential return prior to the start of the new term.

To add to this, Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo has now suggested that the English giants are keeping close tabs on him and want to take full advantage of the opportunity that they have got.

Jürgen Klopp’s side are ready to make an offer between £26.8m(€30m) and £35.8m(€40m), to get the deal this summer, as they look at add more quality to the squad at Anfield.

On the other hand, the story further states that Arsenal have made enquiries for the player’s services as well and the manager of their domestic rivals, Tottenham, Mauricio Pochettino is also said to be in touch.

This transfer saga is really interesting and it could take some major twists and turns in the days to come, with these top clubs from Europe involved.

Player stats

The midfielder had made a total of 26 appearances in all competitions for the Spaniards last term and had a decent time playing under Luis Enrique, who eventually left at the end of the campaign. Rafinha has made 48 appearances for Barca so far, scoring 8 times and has not really been given enough opportunities to showcase his ability.

His time at the Nou Camp has been frustrating, since he made his first senior team appearance back in 2011, though he had an overall successful passing percentage of 91.5% last term, highlighting that the Barca ethos are firmly etched in his style. That’s something that’ll help him if he moves to the Emirates as the Gunners themselves play with a fluid passing style.

With 7 goals and a couple of assists to his name, it will be interesting to see what Rafinha can do in the top flight of English, if the move does indeed go through.

Deal or no cigar?

Rafinha is still just 24 and has quite a bit of time on his hands and can be a good addition to any side that he decides to join. He can perform at the top level if given the right amount of chances and it will be interesting to see which club he eventually decides to join.