Raphinha blow, how do Arsenal react?

Arsenal lose out on Raphinha, what next?

So as expected Arsenal transfer window has taken it's first blow with Chelsea hijacking the sought after target of Raphinha. While a fee was never agreed between Leeds and Arsenal and also the player never had Arsenal as his number one target, considering Arsenal by the looks of reports were in the driving seat for this transfer this does feel a huge blow for Mikel Arteta transfer plans. However saying that Raphinha isn't the only winger in the world and with the reported fee of £65 million pounds I have feeling Arsenal would of never bided that high for a player who plays in the same position as their best player in being Bukayo Saka. Let's have a look at potential options Arsenal could do to soften the blow of missing out on Raphinha. 

Break the wage structure to bring back Serge Gnabry

 

If the ability of time travel was possible I think nearly every Arsenal fan would go back to stop the transfer of Serge Gnabry to Werder Bremen. Saying that there was very little Arsenal could do about this, he wanted to leave but my goodness me what a player he has turned out to be. Now a Champions League, four time Bundesliga winner and a star player in the German team, without doubt Gnabry is one of Arsenal's biggest regret in recent times but with one year left on his deal and Bayern willing to sell, could there be a potential for one last dance at the Emirates next season? To give an honest and short answer almost 100% no, there has been very little legs in this rumour  other than the player used to play for the club, the fans still love him and the player clearly still likes the club. Also you'd think a world class player like Gnabry dropping from Bayern to Arsenal would require a huge wage and most likely would become Arsenal highest paid player, we saw how much wage increase it took to convince Jesus to come to Arsenal. While this transfer fee would most likely only be £30-40 million pounds there little to no chance of this happening and really is just fan service.

Use Michael Olise's release clause

While Olises 2 goals and 5 assists may look extremely average for a player who could cost £35m, he is from average, he is absolute quality player and still only 20 year old. Arsenal were interested in him during his time at Reading but never made a move, with back up needed for Saka this could be the perfect time to get him. With only 12 starts for Palace this season his injury record is a concern. I personally would love to see this transfer come true however similar to Gnabry there hasn't been any real links to this player. 

Give Pepe and Nelson one more chance.  

You maybe argue this is the most unlikely event to happen following this blow to Raphinha, however could we maybe see Nelson and Pepe given one more chance.... you never know do you. While Pepe end to the 20/21 season gave Arsenal fans some genuine optimism about our record signing future however what we got in return was nothing short of a car crash. Only one Premier League goal last season baring in mind he only starting about 5 games was far from the required standard. I think we all know Pepe days are numbered at Arsenal, with the Ivorian switching agents to look for a new club this summer. However could we see Arsenal give Nico one last go and see if he can repay any of that £72m fee he cost in 2019.   

 Reiss Nelson

I think most Arsenal fans have a lot of sympathy when it comes to Reiss Nelson mainly because of the Hale End connection but also because it's very clear he has bags of ability but bad injuries, timing and different managers have cost him heavily. He was one of the most exciting and highly rated Hale End prospect in years when Wenger gave his debut in 2017 but it just has never worked out. Saying that his recent loan spell at Feyenoord was a disaster for the first 6 months but a huge improvement towards the end where he even started the UEFA Europa Conference League final. While Mikel seemed to really like Reiss when he first arrived it seems he's finally given up and is ready to cash in while his stock is somewhat high. He did sign a new three year deal last year which more than likely to just protect his value or what it.... you never know but I think these two are fairly likely if not inevitable to be sold this summer.

Couple other options

Cody Gakpo

Jarrod Bowen

Moussa Diaby 

Oussama Dembele

Arnut Danjuma

Samuel Chukwueze