Past comments on the part of Leeds United star and known Arsenal target Raphinha, surrounding his appreciation for the talents of Thierry Henry, have piqued the attentions of the Gunners faithful this weekend.
The name of wide-man Raphinha has, of course, taken its place front and centre in the English media headlines for several weeks now.
This comes with the Brazilian international attracting the interest of not only the heavyweights of the Premier League, but European football as a whole.
Initially, it was Spanish powerhouse Barcelona who were viewed as the odds-on favourites to strike a deal for the gifted attacker, with boss Xavi Hernandez desperate for reinforcements on the right flank ahead of the new campaign.
Recent weeks, though, have seen the Blaugrana’s interest cool, owing to both Leeds’ hefty asking price, and Ousmane Dembele’s potential contract renewal.
In turn, a host of rival suitors have been allowed back into the fray.
And, as things stand, it is the aforementioned Arsenal who appear best positioned to take advantage, expected to table a 2nd, altogether improved offer for Raphinha over the coming days.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Raphinha walks off carrying a banner made by a fan during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road on May 15, 2022 in Leeds, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Amid a building air of excitement on the red half of north London, the Gunners’ fanbase, in turn, have this weekend been keen to point back to prior comments on the part of Leeds’ attacking talisman, regarding none other than Arsenal’s greatest-ever player.
Speaking in August of 2021, Raphinha was drawn on his decision to make the move to England, and was quick to cite the influence of Thierry Henry as key.
“I watched Arsenal at the time [Thierry] Henry was flying there so that’s when I started following the Premier League,” the Brazilian explained.
“That’s when I started to understand and get it into my head that this is where I wanted to play, where the best players were.”
Raphinha on when he was first attracted to playing in England:
🗣 “I also watched Arsenal at the time [Thierry] Henry was flying there so that’s when I started following the Premier League.”
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) June 26, 2022
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