Top 3 Raphinha alternatives for Arsenal

The Gunners look set to miss out on Raphinha as Chelsea move into pole position for the Brazilian’s signature.

As Chelsea are now favorites to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha, Arsenal must go back to the drawing board.

Mikel Arteta’s side hoped to lure Raphinha over to north London, and while things began on a positive note, it was Chelsea who struck a £55 million agreement with Leeds to sign the 25-year-old Brazilian on Tuesday.

Therefore, unless talks between Raphinha and Chelsea collapse, Arsenal will have to look elsewhere for a new wideman.

Below are the three potential alternatives the Premier League club could pursue this summer.

🇳🇱 Noa Lang (Club Brugge)

The Netherlands international will probably command a fraction of the fee Raphinha would cost to sign. He has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while, making him a cheaper alternative.

Noa Lang joined Club Brugge in October 2020 from Ajax. The 23-year-old has managed 26 goals and 26 assists in 85 appearances for the Belgian side. He has impressed in the Champions League, reportedly stirring interest from Serie A champions AC Milan.

🇫🇷 Ousmane Dembele (FC Barcelona)

The 25-year-old winger will be a free agent when his Barcelona contract expires on Thursday. There is still a chance he could sign a new deal with the LaLiga club, but it’s looking more uncertain each day.

It may tempt Arsenal to take a chance on him given his availability for a free transfer. The forward proved his class in the second half of last season for Barcelona. His 13 assists was the best record of any player in LaLiga, and with Chelsea focused on Raphinha, the gateway could be clear for Arsenal to sign Dembele in the summer.

🇩🇪 Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)

Contract talks between Gnabry and Bayern Munich have stalled. The 26-year-old winger’s current deal runs until June 2023. Should negotiations not progress, he can leave the Allianz Arena as a free agent at the end of next season.

According to various reports, Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation. The Gunners may try to set up a homecoming for Gnabry. The Germany international played for them between 2011 and 2016.