Arsenal Transfers: 3 Raphinha alternatives for Gunners to target

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Michael Olise of Crystal Palace during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Crystal Palace and Stoke City at Selhurst Park on March 1, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Michael Olise of Crystal Palace during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Crystal Palace and Stoke City at Selhurst Park on March 1, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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3. Brennan Johnson

Brennan Johnson starred in the Championship last season. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Brennan Johnson starred in the Championship last season. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Right-footed Johnson may not be a Raphinha clone, as such, but there’s certainly plenty to like about the 21-year-old.

Johnson’s senior career was ignited by a loan spell to Lincoln City in the 2020/21 season. He contributed to 16 League One goals before he returned to Nottingham Forest and starred in the Championship. He was utilised in various functions by Steve Cooper last season with transfermarkt.com noting that 22 of his 53 starts in all competitions came as a second striker, while 14 came off the right flank.

Johnson was named the EFL Championship’s Young Player of the Year after he helped Forest clinch promotion to the Premier League by scoring 16 goals and assisting another nine in the second tier.

The Welsh international is a top athlete who so often bursts away from defenders thanks to his rapid acceleration. He loves to drift out wide – particularly to the right – and is a creator as much as he’s a goalscorer. Not to mention his willingness to contribute to a high press and turn over possession high in the opposition’s half.

Overall, Johnson’s incredibly well-rounded and I’m sure he’ll thrive in the top-flight next season.  For Arsenal, he’s a possibility they should explore before he pens a new deal with Forest.