Arsenal begins contract talks with a forward from Barcelona as a response to the devastating Mykhailo Mudryk denial

Raphinha, Ansu Fati Barcelona Credit: Alamy

As they attempt to rapidly get over their disappointment at Chelsea sabotaging their attempt to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, Arsenal is said to have begun discussions with the agent of a Barcelona player.

Mudryk, a winger for Shakhtar Donetsk and the Ukraine, was about to be signed by the Gunners in a deal for about £80 million when their London rivals decided to boost the ante and make a higher bid for the attacker.

The talented 22-year-old is thought to have a £97 million deal with Shakhtar, according to Graham Potter's staff.

The athlete will reportedly undergo his medical on Sunday after agreeing to a seven-year contract. He is also anticipated to be present when Crystal Palace visits in the Premier League on Sunday.

However, Mudryk's U-turn has left Arsenal with a sour taste in their mouth that they want to immediately wash away.

To that goal, Edu has been in touch with Raphinha's agent at Barca in an effort to reach an agreement.

The Catalan powerhouses are rumored to be willing to deal the former Leeds player. In 21 appearances this season, despite being signed for £55 million last summer, he has only scored twice.

Raphinha, along with players like Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres, will be offloaded because he has largely performed poorly since arriving to Spain.

Barcelona legend wants the trio to remain

Rivaldo, a former Barca legend, hopes the three choose to stay put.

According to recent rumors, Barcelona may discuss the transfers of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, or Raphinha to help with their ongoing financial issues, which continue to hurt the team, Rivaldo said to Betfair.

"I would be really dissatisfied if you sold a player of Raphinha's caliber only six months after signing him.

"On the one hand, it would eliminate the player's opportunity to establish himself at the club. On the other hand, it will serve as a warning to other players to reconsider their decision to play for Barcelona in the future.

"With Ansu Fati, that would be even more puzzling because he has long been viewed as Lionel Messi's replacement. And to give up on him so quickly would surprise me.

The team must hold onto its top players, especially the ones having the most promise to develop into future stars.

Raphinha is familiar with the Premier League

Raphinha would help the Gunners make up for losing Mudryk, in a little manner.

Indeed, it might end up being a blessing in disguise in certain instances. In contrast to the Ukrainian, Raphinha has more Premier League experience overall.

Yes, Mudryk is definitely very gifted and has age on his side. But he'll probably need some time to adjust, whereas Raphinha should fit in right away to a Gunners team that is currently on a roll.

With a win at Tottenham on Sunday, Arsenal can increase their margin of victory at the top of the standings to eight points.