Arsenal Transfer News: Rafinha Offer Made, Latest Alexis Sanchez Rumours

Arsenal have reportedly offered Bayern Munich defender Rafinha a three-year deal, with the Brazilian looking set to leave the Allianz Arena this summer. 

According to Sport Bild (h/t Tom Matson of Goal), while the 30-year-old’s contract doesn’t expire until the end of next season, he will be allowed to depart at the end of the current term. It’s stated Bayern will target a younger right-back, with the Gunners’ Hector Bellerin and Real Madrid man Dani Carvajal on their shortlist.

Here’s a look at how the story was covered by Sport Bild, per Sport Witness:

Rafinha has been a very useful member of this Bayern squad, deputising for Philipp Lahm for long spells before being handed a more regular run in the team when the skipper was moved into midfield by manager Pep Guardiola. Here’s a look at what he can offer in this position:

The Brazilian is a versatile talent himself, filling in at left-back, centre-back, on the right of midfield and in the middle of the park this term. So it’s easy to see why Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may view him as a useful squad member.

Rafinha is a player who fits the Arsenal blueprint, too. Technically he’s very gifted and when in possession, he rarely misses a pass. He’s never been a player who seems to relish the physical side of the game and that could be a problem in the Premier League, however, at full-back he’d still be capable of thriving.

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

For Arsenal, a right-back doesn’t need to be particularly high up on their list of summer targets. As these statistics show from OptaJoe, in Bellerin they already possess a major force in this area:

Rafinha would be very useful to have around the Emirates due to his experience, ability and winning mentality. But aside from the occasional exception, Petr Cech being one last summer, it’s rare for Arsenal to give long contracts to players of Rafinha’s age.

Bayern Munich ‘Sniffing Around’ Alexis Sanchez

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According to John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Bayern Munich are “sniffing around” Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez and have made “discreet enquiries” into whether or not the club would consider a sale.

“They have yet to make a formal approach but their interest could be a worry for Arsenal as they look to tie down Sanchez to a new contract,” added Cross, who also stated the Gunners have offered the Chilean new terms worth £160,000-a-week.

As these numbers form Squawka Football show, Sanchez gives this Arsenal team a completely different kind of attacking threat:

Under Wenger Arsenal build their attacks carefully and meticulously, until Sanchez gets the ball at his feet. And it’s that raw, direct brand of play that has made him such a huge hit at the Emirates Stadium. Sanchez’s willingness to take chances on the ball, duck inside and fire off shots make the Gunners a much greater threat in the final third.

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This term hasn’t been the best for the Chilean, especially when compared to his stunning debut season. However, as WhoScored.com noted lately, Sanchez seems to be finding form again:

Bayern are a club who have an immense draw, and it’d be understandable if the former Barcelona man was tempted by them. The German giants regularly win titles and have been a consistent presence in the latter stages of the Champions League in recent years. Arsenal can’t quite measure up to those standards at the moment.

But to get to those levels eventually it’s imperative the club keep hold of their star performers. Losing a player who brings a diversity to attacks like Sanchez, regardless of the significance of the fee recouped, would be a major setback for the club.