Raphinha ‘rejects Arsenal for second time in six months as he snubs January transfer to stay at Barcelona’

RAPHINHA has reportedly snubbed Arsenal for the second time in just six months after deciding he wants to stay at Barcelona.

The Gunners initially showed an interest in the Brazilian while he was at Leeds last season.

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But the 26-year-old rejected their advances as Barcelona won the race for his signature and sealed a £57m deal.

However, after Chelsea beat Arsenal to the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk, Mikel Arteta has switched his attention to the winger again.

Raphinha has struggled to impress at the Nou Camp and only has two goals in 18 appearances for the Catalans.

That has led to speculation that he could be made available during this month’s transfer window.

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Arteta, whose team moved eight points clear at the top of the table after beating Tottenham 2-0 yesterday, is desperate for attacking reinforcements.

Although he could now have to look elsewhere amid a fresh report from Spain.

state that Raphinha has no interest in a move in January.

And they also add that the star is “clear” in his belief that he will become a success in Xavi’s team.

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It also explains that Arsenal have made contact with the player’s representatives, but any hopes they had of signing him were completely dismissed.

This update also states that Raphinha’s “dream” is to become a Barcelona star and that he refuses to give up on that so quickly following his arrival.

also added on Sunday that Arsenal have contacted Raphinha’s agent Deco directly.

But his answer was exactly the same as the one reported in the Catalan media, meaning there is little chance of a deal getting done over the next fortnight.

Meanwhile, Arteta has insisted that they will move on from the Mudryk setback after yesterday's win, saying: “We have excellent players and we want to improve our squad in this transfer window.

“We will do the deals we CAN do and the ones we feel are right for the club.”