Arsenal now seemingly have no chance of signing £100m player

Raphinha is in the form of his life right now.

With nine goals and three assists in La Liga after just six games, the 29-year-old is the division’s top scorer. He bagged a hat-trick in his most recent outing against Racing Santander, and he’s also bagged a brace in the Champions League.

Barcelona have now scored 28 goals in the first six league games, and Raphinha is at the heart of everything they are doing. He has been, quite simply, unplayable.

Reports earlier this month suggested Arsenal were preparing a move for the Brazilian winger in January, with bids of north of £80m mooted as Barcelona’s need for funds to sign Julian Alvarez created a potential window of opportunity.

Raphinha is one of the best players in the world and would certainly add that level of X-factor that Mikel Arteta is seeking. Add to that the fact that he can operate anywhere across the frontline, and it really would be an incredible addition.

However, it appears that definitely won’t be happening.

Raphinha says he wants to finish his career at Barcelona

Speaking to Esports RAC1, Raphinha was discussing his future. “I want to renew and hopefully finish my career at Barca. I will only leave if the coach says he does not count on me, but if I give results, I will stay.”

If he carries on this sort of form, Hansi Flick is hardly going to tell Raphinha he’s not in his plans.

Arsenal are the Champions League favourites according to Opta’s supercomputer, but Barcelona are certainly among their most dangerous rivals this season. The two clubs could yet meet in the knockout stages. Lamine Yamal has already issued a warning to the Gunners, saying he thinks Barca would find it ‘comfortable’ playing against Arsenal.

But a transfer between them in January? This one never felt particularly realistic, and Raphinha has now made it even less so. The search for a top-level attacker continues.