The transfer saga involving Vinicius Junior and Arsenal was one of the most intriguing during the recently closed June Transfer Window. In the end, the Brazilian superstar extended his deal with Real Madrid, as the North London club seemed to have been nothing more than leverage in his negotiations with Los Blancos.Arsenal didn't want to make any hasty decisions or rush into last-minute signings, so Christos Tzolis remained their only attacking addition. Still, they haven't given up on reinforcing their attack and are already eyeing another massive target for January.According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Gunners have prepared a blockbuster €80 million bid for Barcelona captain Raphinha!🚨🚨 | 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Arsenal are PREPARING an €80M bid for Barcelona forward Raphinha ahead of the January transfer window. 💣[@fichajesnet, @caughtoffside] pic.twitter.com/cMtTSGhdFl— MatchdayHQ (@TheMatchdayHQ) September 5, 2026 The Premier League club recently sold two Gabriels – Martinelli and Jesus (who joined Barca) – and need a strong addition, with the 29-year-old forward undoubtedly fitting the bill.Last season, he registered 21 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances and kicked off the new campaign with six goals in four games.At first glance, the Catalans have no reason to even consider a sale, as Raphinha is one of their key players and their captain, whose contract runs through 2028 and includes a €1 billion release clause. With Julian Alvarez, a potential replacement, definitely off limits, it would be highly unexpected if they let the Brazilian leave.Ballon d'Or 2026: Dembele defends crown as Spain's WC heroes lead the chaseHowever, if Arsenal manage to convince the player to give the Premier League another shot – he represented Leeds United from 2020 to 2022 – Barcelona would have no choice but to bite the bullet.But the January Transfer Window is still a long way off, and the Champions League is where the spotlight lies at the moment.Both Barca and Arsenal will kick off their UCL campaigns tonight – the Catalans will host Feyenoord (19.45), while the Gunners will lock horns with Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona (22.00).UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUEROUND 1TuesdayAEK – LASK 1-0 (1-0) /Marin 21/Club Brugge – Aston Villa 2-3 (1-3)/Vetlesen 19, Tresoldi 61 pen – McGinn 11, Buendia 22, Jackson 43/Porto – Manchester City 0-2 (0-0)/Haaland 47, 90+1/Dortmund – Villarreal 3-2 (0-0)/Veiga 53 og, Guirassy 80, 85 pen – Mourino 66, Guirassy 90+3 og/Lille – Betis 2-3 (2-1)/Ueda 12, Ribeiro 36 – Bartra 33,49, Parrott 53/Real Madrid – Inter 2-1 (2-0)/Mbappe 14, Valverde 23 – Augusto 77/Wednesday19.45: (1.08) Barcelona (13.0) Feyenoord (20.0) 19.45: (1.23) Stuttgart (6.75) Viking (11.0) 22.00: (1.75) Liverpool (3.90) Atl.Madrid (4.50) 22.00: (4.90) Napoli (3.60) Arsenal (1.75) 22.00: (1.05) PSG (14.0) Slovan B. (35.0) 22.00: (1.90) Sporting (3.50) Galatasaray (4.10) Thursday19.45: (3.15) Fenerbahce (3.45) Roma (2.25)19.45: (1.43) PSV (4.60) Shakhtar (7.25)22.00: (1.10) Bayern (10.0) Bodo (16.0)22.00: (1.95) Como (3.50) RB Leipzig (3.90) 22.00: (1.10) Man.Utd. (11.0) Sabah (18.0) 22.00: (2.60) Slavia Praha (3.35) Lens (2.70)***odds are subject to change***
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