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Raf 'n ready

Arsenal eyeing Barcelona’s Rafinha in case Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil leave

Versatile Brazilian has been fielded in almost every position except in between the sticks

ARSENAL are preparing to swoop for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha, according to reports.

Mundo Deportivo claim the Gunners have identified the versatile Brazilian as part of a contingency plan in the event wantaway stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil leave.

 Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha
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Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Barcelona midfielder RafinhaCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Sanchez, 28, and Ozil, 29, are out of contract in the summer and the Gunners risk losing them both on a free.

Rafinha, 24, is yet to make an appearance this season as he recovers from injury.

He also faces extra competition at the Nou Camp following the arrival of countryman Paulinho.

Though his versatility makes him an attractive option, having been fielded in almost every position apart from in between the sticks.

 Versatile Rafinha can play in midfield, defence and attack
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Versatile Rafinha can play in midfield, defence and attackCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Alexis Sanchez is out of contract in the summer and looks to be on his way out
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Alexis Sanchez is out of contract in the summer and looks to be on his way outCredit: Rex Features
 Mesut Ozil is linked with an Arsenal exit but his agent revealed talks over a new deal are 'positive'
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Mesut Ozil is linked with an Arsenal exit but his agent revealed talks over a new deal are 'positive'Credit: Rex Features

Arsene Wenger is preparing himself for the possible exits of his two players and even admitted they could be gone in January.

Asked if there was a deadline for the duo to extend their contracts, he said: "No, not at the moment."


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And when quizzed whether Arsenal should cash in on them in January, he added: "Once you are in our kind of situation, we have envisaged every solution yes.

"It's possible."

Ozil's agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, insisted the Germany playmaker wants to stay in the Premier League for another two or three years and that contract talks are "going in a positive way".

He said: "I have always said that the fact we didn't find an agreement last year doesn't mean the player will necessarily leave.

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"Both players looked happy here and overall I hope the situation can be turned around.

"At the moment we are not close enough to announce anything."

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