Confirmed! Mikel Arteta pays €80M and leaves Joan Laporta deeply shaken

Joan Laporta keeps showing that he is one of the most charismatic and influential presidents. Since his return to Barça in 2021, he has managed to stabilize a club that was on the verge of bankruptcy and has brought it back to the sports elite. His ability to make firm decisions, even in the most delicate moments, has established him as the best president in Barça's history.

Joan Laporta has always defended Barça's interests above all else. In that regard, together with Deco, his trusted man in the sports management, he is already preparing moves for next season. Unfortunately for them, Mikel Arteta has gotten ahead and has made the situation much more complicated.

Joan Laporta's favorite signing

Barça knows they need to strengthen the wings if they want to truly compete with Europe's top clubs. Although Marcus Rashford's continuity has been an option on the table in recent weeks, Joan Laporta believes the club should aim even higher. That's why the president has given Deco the green light to try again for a long-desired signing: Rafael Leao.

The Portuguese forward has been an obsession in Camp Nou offices for years. His speed, power, and ability to unbalance fit perfectly with the attacking style Hansi Flick wants to impose. Joan Laporta already tried to sign him in both 2023 and 2024, but negotiations with AC Milan did not succeed.

Now, with a more stable financial situation and the reopening of Camp Nou scheduled for late November, Joan Laporta feels this is the ideal moment to try again. The new sponsorship deals and increased revenue would allow them to pursue Rafael Leao's signing without too many problems. However, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have crossed their path.

Mikel Arteta gets ahead of Joan Laporta in the race for Rafael Leao

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's coach, has taken the lead in the race for Rafael Leao. The Basque coach has been following the Portuguese player for months and believes he would be the missing piece to complete a top-level attack. According to British media, the London club already has an advanced agreement with Milan for a figure close to €80 million.

This move is a major blow to Barça and, above all, to Joan Laporta. The president was confident he could convince Rafael Leao with his sports project and the promise of leading Barça's attack. But Arsenal, with the financial strength of the Premier League, has managed to get ahead and lead an operation that will change the market landscape.