Arsenal Sporting director Edu has revealed that he always knew Raphinha just wanted to leave Leeds United for Barcelona. Arsenal had been in the mix for the Brazilian, but Raphinha’s agent Deco made his client’s position clear.
Edu also revealed that he works in tandem with coach Mikel Arteta in identifying and pursuing transfer targets. He will never sign someone with whom the Spaniard does not feel comfortable and vice versa. They both loved Raphinha but he only had eyes for the Camp Nou.
And he got what he wanted. Raphinha joined Barcelona earlier this month and made an instant impact, scoring the winner for the Catalan club in their 1-0 loss to Real Madrid in Las Vegas at the weekend and contributing a goal and two assists in their 6-0 demolition. from the Inter Miami side of the MLS. The Brazilian will compete for a few minutes with Ousmane Dembele next season, but he seems well equipped for the challenge.
Edu, Arsenal manager: «Deco always told me that Raphinha only wants Barcelona. New signings? We have to be prepared,” he says. @SkySportsNoticias ⚪️🔴 #AFC
«I will never sign a player with whom Arteta does not feel comfortable. These are not Mikel or Edu signings, they are Arsenal signings.” pic.twitter.com/huXUQ2ZEgg
– Fabrice Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2022
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