Arsenal failed with a €70 million (£61.7m) bid to secure services of Brazilian forward Raphinha from Barcelona in the winter transfer window, according to reports in Spain.
Mikel Arteta was keen to recruit a new forward in the winter transfer window and had made Mykhailo Mudryk his top target before the Blues moved in to finalise a €100m (£88.5m) deal ahead of the North London giants.
Arsenal moved on quickly after their disappointment with Mudryk as they secured the services of Belgian playmaker Leandro Trossard in a £27m deal from Brighton.
However, according to Sport, Raphinha was also on the Gunners shortlist in winter transfer window and the Gunners sent a €70m (£61.7m) proposal to Catalan giants for the Brazil international.
However, the report suggests that Barcelona turned down the Gunnerrs offer as the club are convinced that Raphinha will be a success at Camp Nou.
After a slow start following his arrival from Leeds United this summer, Brazilian attacker has impressed in recent weeks with 3 goals and 3 assists in his last seven games.
Speaking earlier this month, the Catalan giants head coach Xavi described Raphinha as ‘the future’ of their team.
‘He’s a criticised player, but he does a lot and we value him a lot,’ Xavi said.
‘We will always support Raphinha, he’s the future of Barcelona.’
Both Chelsea and Arsenal had attempted to secure services of Raphinha from Leeds this summer, however, the 26-year-old held out for his favoured move to Spanish giants.
‘My dream was to wear the Barca shirt,’ Raphinha said after his switch to Camp Nou.
‘I have followed them since I was young, since Ronaldinho arrived. I wanted to be a part of it. The desire was stronger than any other proposal, no matter how powerful it was financially.’