Manchester City now want Arsenal target Raphinha

Manchester City and Arsenal could face off in the transfer window again as the Premier League champions are keeping tabs on Barcelona attacker Raphinha.

The Etihad Stadium outfit have identified the Brazilian as a target should they lose Riyad Mahrez, reports FussballTransfers.

The Algerian is wanted in Saudi Arabia but Man City want more from Al Ahli.

Pep Guardiola is preparing for life without Mahrez and will look to bring in Raphinha as his replacement once he leaves.

The former Leeds United joined Barca last summer, snubbing Arsenal and co.

However, the Gunners have remained in touch with his representatives and were looking to sign him in January, with Sporting Director Edu still making ‘constant calls’ to them.

Barcelona signed the 26-year-old in a £55 million deal but he has not lived up to their expectations.

He scored seven goals and assisted another seven in 25 La Liga starts and 11 substitute appearances, but they are open to selling him for the right price.

Arsenal want a right winger but whether they can afford to sign Raphinha having spent over £200m this summer remains to be seen.

A return to the Premier League could appeal to the South American, and Man City will not hesitate to go after their man if Mahrez leaves.

Arsenal missed out on him last summer and could be about to see him join their title rivals in the coming weeks.

Nothing is guaranteed right now as Raphinha could end up remaining in Spain, but the Gunners may need to add more quality players to their squad to have a chance of pipping Man City to the title next term.