
2. Add serious squad depth
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.
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.
⚪️ Raphinha for Leeds in the Premier League last season:
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 4, 2022
⚽️ Goals - 11
🅰️ Assists - 3
💪 Having directly contributed to 33.3% of their league goals, no wonder Leeds are keen on keeping the Brazilian at Elland Road! pic.twitter.com/4jQW8Ev31s
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.
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.
Continued on next slide…