Arsenal are interested in a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha after missing out on the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk, according to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari.

The Lowdown: Arsenal suffer Mudryk transfer blow

On Saturday, Sky Sports reported that Chelsea had pipped the Gunners to a deal for Mudryk, despite Mikel Arteta's side having been in talks with the 22-year-old as recently as Friday.

It was a clear blow for Arsenal, with the Ukrainian an attacker of huge promise who had accrued 18 goal contributions in as many games this season and could cost Chelsea as much as £88.5m, and it means that the club may now turn their attention elsewhere.

The Gunners were linked with a move for Raphinha last summer prior to him joining Barcelona, and it looks as though their interest in the 26-year-old hasn't gone away.

The Latest: Raphinha back on Arsenal's radar

Taking to Twitter, Longari claimed that Arsenal could now see the former Leeds United winger as a viable alternative to Mudryk.

Sharing a corresponding article from Sport Italia which stated that 'exploratory contacts' have been made but no offer yet forthcoming, the reporter tweeted:

"Arsenal are still interested in Raphinha from Barcelona after Chelsea's Mudryk deal."

The Verdict: Strong option for Arteta

Raphinha has struggled to impress consistently since joining Barcelona, managing only seven starts in La Liga, scoring just twice, and not necessarily looking like a key part of Xavi's future plans.

For that reason, a return to the Premier League could appeal to the 26-year-old, who scored 17 goals and registered 12 assists during his time at Leeds, including a penalty in the 2-1 win at Brentford which ultimately spared them from relegation last year.

Raphinha would add competition for places in attack at the Emirates Stadium, allowing Arteta to rotate more effectively. His wand-like left foot is always capable of wreaking havoc, having been hailed as a 'magician' by former Whites team-mate Dan James and regularly scoring with his left.

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