3 Reasons why Raphinha is the Perfect Signing for Arsenal

3 reasons why Raphinha is the perfect signing for Arsenal

Leeds United's Brazilian midfielder Raphinha Dias Belloli moves off to take a set-piece during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on February 26, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Jon Super / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JON SUPER/AFP via Getty Images) /

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BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 22: Raphinha of Leeds United celebrates scoring their side’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brentford and Leeds United at Brentford Community Stadium on May 22, 2022, in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) /

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:

⚽️ 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
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 4, 2022

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.

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