Arsenal Transfers: 3 Raphinha alternatives for Gunners to target

2. Ousmane Dembele

Ousmane Dembele is as enigmatic as they come and many supporters are hesitant for Arsenal to pursue the Frenchman due to his woeful injury record. That’s perfectly fair, but the risks are mitigated somewhat if the club can sign him on a free transfer this summer.

Dembele’s contract with Barcelona is due to expire and although the Catalans are keen to tie the winger down for a few more years, his current situation is an ambiguous one. Much will depend on whether Barça can successfully hijack Chelsea’s deal for Raphinha. If they can, then expect the Blues to heavily pursue Dembele.

Thus, Arsenal will have to compete against somebody – whether it be Barcelona or Chelsea – if they’re to go down the Ousmane route. The Frenchman is a ludicrously gifted footballer who makes the game look unerringly simple at times. We saw the very best of him last season as he notched 13 assists in just 21 La Liga appearances.

Dembele is a one-v-one specialist and Arteta will adore his ambipedality. He’s one of the most two-footed players around.

Personally, this is one I’d love to see happen, but I understand why so many are against it.

Continued on the next slide…