Arsenal are said to be at an advanced stage in their quest to bag Brazilian playmaker, Raphinha, in what could be one of the signings of the summer.
According to multiple reports from reliable journalists, the Gunners are preparing to follow up on the recently rejected first offer following positive talks with Leeds United.
The fellow Premier League side look to have accepted the 25-year-old’s desire to leave and will not stand in his way providing they receive a substantial fee to rebuild.
Freddie Paxton, who writes for the Guardian, The Times and ESPN, was first to the news and came out with the below on Saturday lunchtime:
🚨 Arsenal will soon submit a second bid for Leeds winger Raphinha. Club clearly received some positive signals when speaking to the player’s camp recently but #AFC aware they need to move quickly to beat the competition. pic.twitter.com/NbX7cd6aDh
— Freddie Paxton (@Freddie_Paxton) June 25, 2022
Just seconds later, a report from The Sun’s Jack Rosser was published, stating that Arsenal are preparing another offer but are also aware that they need to move quickly.
Both journalists were then backed up by the transfer oracle that is David Ornstein, who rubber stamped the confirmation with an update we’d all been waiting to see:
🚨 Arsenal to intensify efforts next week to sign Raphinha from Leeds. More talks planned with 25yo’s camp & increased offer expected. Feeling among other suitors is #AFC now leading & he’s said to be open to joining them. W/ @PhilHay_ @TheAthleticUK #LUFC https://t.co/FDYluxP0zx
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 25, 2022
Interest from London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea is rife, along with the fact that Barcelona remain Raphinha’s preferred destination.
But with Chelsea having financial transition issues and Barcelona failing to have the funds required, Edu and Arteta are looking to capitalise while they can.
Raphinha remains on holiday following international duty which could delay any sort of formal announcement, but personal terms look set to be the easy part of this deal.
Leeds United are standing firm on their price tag, adopting similar policies to that of Leicester and Brighton who held out for big money before letting their star men go.
The recent news that Kalvin Phillips will also leave the Yorkshire side has meant less desperation to sell Raphinha, who still has two years remaining on his contract.