Roberto De Zerbi Requests New Wingers Amid Injury Concerns

Roberto De Zerbi is seeking to sign new wingers for his squad, with Barcelona forward Raphinha emerging as a primary target in ongoing negotiations in London, according to reporting from El Nacional.cat on August 4, 2026. De Zerbi has requested players who possess speed, technical proficiency, and the ability to cut inside toward the center of the pitch.

De Zerbi’s Tactical Requirements for New Wingers

The push for new reinforcements follows specific tactical directives from Roberto De Zerbi. According to El Nacional.cat, the manager is prioritizing players capable of operating as inverted wingers. He specifically wants athletes who can combine raw pace with the technical skill required to move from the flanks into central attacking positions.

This strategic shift is partly driven by personnel shortages in the current squad. The report notes that the injury of Eli Junior Kroupi has left a void in the attacking options, increasing the urgency for De Zerbi to secure versatile, fast players who can maintain the team’s offensive pressure.

Raphinha and the London Negotiations

Raphinha has become a central figure in a transfer operation currently being coordinated in London. While the player is associated with Barcelona, the reporting indicates that the deal is actively being “cooked” or developed within the London market, suggesting a complex negotiation involving multiple stakeholders or intermediaries based in the UK capital.

Raphinha fits the specific profile requested by De Zerbi. His ability to play across the front line and his history of cutting inside from the wing align with the manager’s demand for technical players who can influence the game in the half-spaces and central areas.

Impact of Eli Junior Kroupi’s Injury

The absence of Eli Junior Kroupi serves as a catalyst for these transfer movements. El Nacional.cat identifies Kroupi’s injury as a key factor in De Zerbi’s request for immediate reinforcements. The loss of Kroupi has limited the manager’s ability to rotate his wingers and implement his preferred high-tempo, technical style of play.

By targeting a player of Raphinha’s caliber, the club aims to not only replace the lost production from Kroupi but to elevate the overall technical quality of the attack. The focus remains on securing a player who can execute the specific “inside-out” movements that characterize De Zerbi’s offensive philosophy.