Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing Leeds United talisman Raphinha, who is expected to leave Elland Road this summer.
According to The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, the Gunners are among the clubs interested in signing the 25-year-old in the current transfer window, with the respected insider revealing on Twitter that: “Arsenal & Tottenham both hold a genuine interest in Leeds’ Raphinha in what could be one of the big tussles this summer.” Chelsea is also interested, but they are also interested in Ousmane Dembele, while Tottenham is considering Richarlison.”
According to the attached article, the Elland Road club may be open to a sale this summer if their valuation is met, with the Yorkshire-based club seemingly accepting that the former Rennes man will not sign a new deal due to his desire to ‘play in European competition.’
The potential asking price has previously been suggested to be around £45m, although the potential financial package appears to be too great for another suitor, Barcelona, with the report claiming that the La Liga side’s financial woes may prevent them from completing a deal, giving Mikel Arteta’s side the opportunity to pounce.
As previously stated, the north Londoners are not alone in their interest, though they are currently well placed to attempt to close the deal, with such a move likely to represent a huge coup if sporting director Edu is successful.
Tempting the £63k-per-week gem into a move without the carrot of Champions League football may be difficult, but a move to the Emirates would still be a significant step up from scrapping for survival at the bottom of the table – as Leeds were last season.
The 5-foot 9 playmakers have shown himself ready to compete for an elite side following his stunning form since his £17m switch from Ligue 1 two years ago, chipping in with 29 goal involvements in that time, including netting 11 times last term in the top-flight.
Such contributions drew Tite’s attention, and the £40.5m-rated speedster is now an increasingly important player for the Selecao, having scored three goals and provided two assists in just nine appearances for his country.
The fleet-footed menace, dubbed a “baller” by club teammate Tyler Roberts, has lit up the Premier League so often in recent seasons, possessing the old cliche of a wand of a left foot that can cause havoc for any defense, whether from deadball scenarios or in open play.
Bringing in such a player would demonstrate not only that the Gunners remain an appealing prospect despite missing out on a top-four spot, but also that those outside the club are starting to see clear signs of progress in the ongoing Arteta project.
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