Arsenal sporting director Edu has revealed that he always knew Rafinha only wanted to leave Leeds United for Barcelona, as his dream was the Catalan club. Arsenal sporting director Edu has revealed that he always knew Raphinha only ever wanted to leave Leeds United for Barcelona. Arsenal had been in the mix for the Brazilian but Deco, Raphinha’s agent, made his client’s stance crystal clear. Edu also revealed that he works in tandem with coach Mikel Arteta when identifying and pursuing transfer targets. He’ll never sign anyone the Spaniard’s not comfortable with and vice versa. They both wanted Raphinha but he only had eyes for Camp Nou. Arsenal was in a state of confusion with the Brazilian, but Deco, Rafinha's agent, made his client's position crystal clear when he confirmed it in front of all the clubs interested in him.
Edu also revealed that he works with coach Mikel Arteta when defining and following up on transfer targets, and will not sign with anyone who is not comfortable with the Spaniard and vice versa, both of whom wanted Rafinha but had only eyes on the "Camp Nou".
It really happened what he wanted, as Rafinha joined Barcelona earlier this month and had an immediate impact, scoring the Catalan club's winning goal in their 1-0 win over Real Madrid in Las Vegas at the weekend and contributing one goal and two assists to the 6-0 defeat at Inter Miami.
The Brazilian will be competing for minutes with Ousmane Dembele next season but he looks well equipped to meet the challenge.