Reportedly, Arsenal are set to bring Bayern Munich defender Rafinha to the Emirates in the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old's current deal at the Allianz Arena will run down after the end of the next season and has not been handed a new deal.
He has started in 17 Bundesliga games under Pep Guardiola's guidance this season.
According to German publication Sports Bild, Arsene Wenger is keen on adding Rafinha to the Gunners squad when the transfer window reopens and has already made an approach for his services. Arsenal are looking to hand him a three-year deal and it will keep him at the north London club until he's 33.
Guardiola will leave the German champions at the end of the season. The former Barcelona manager has agreed on a deal to join Arsenal's league rivals Manchester City after the end of the 2015-16 season.
The Spanish coach will be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti at Bayern as the latter has signed a three-year deal with the Bavarians. The ex-Chelsea manager's move to Germany has raised questions about the future of few players and there could be potential exits from the Allianz Arena in the summer transfer window.
Rafinha is one of those candidates who are expected to leave, following the arrival of the Italian manager. This has alerted the London-based club, who are looking to convince him to join Arsenal and have already tabled a three-year contract for his signature.
Wenger has the services of Héctor Bellerín as the first choice right-back in the squad. They also have Mathieu Debuchy, who is currently on loan at Bordeaux until the end of the season and will return to his parent club in the summer.
The former Newcastle United full-back's future at Arsenal looks uncertain and could leave the club. Wenger wants Rafinha to be added to his squad in order to improve competition in the right side of the back four.
Bayern defender’s defensive capabilities are impressive and that coupled with good passing ability, quick pace and a strong shooting ability can help Arsenal when they move forward.
Rafinha's side will face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final and the Brazil international has heaped praise on the Spanish capital club's manager Diego Simeone.
"Atletico's work ethic and their defensive style is their strength. Also, the way they play in the Champions League like it is the Copa Libertadores - that's something unique with this team. Simeone is doing a great job with Atletico and has had a lot of success in the last few years," he told Goal.
