Arsenal are reportedly readying an improved offer for Leeds United winger Raphinha, who is also being chased by Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are ready to step up their efforts to beat Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur to the capture of Leeds United and Brazil winger Raphinha in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Raphinha has become one of the most in-demand players in the current window after his exploits for Leeds United, which helped the Whites stave off the threat of relegation from the Premier League. The 25-year-old finished the 2021/22 campaign with a tally of 11 goals and three assists, while he has also become a permanent fixture in the Brazil national team.
Arsenal, who have already secured the signings of Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira, are interested in luring Raphinha to the Emirates. Mikel Arteta is looking to add fresh faces to his attacking roster and is on the verge of signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. But the Spaniard also wants to add a new winger to replace the exit-bound Nicolas Pepe and take some pressure off Bukayo Saka.
Raphinha, to that end, has become the top target for Arsenal, with the Gunners even launching an offer for the winger earlier this week. However, the north Londoners’ bid was well below Leeds’ valuation of the 25-year-old, and the Whites swiftly knocked it back. However, Arsenal are not discouraged by it and are planning to intensify their efforts to sign the former Rennes star.
Arsenal are set to hold more talks with Raphinha’s representatives, and they are also readying an improved offer in hope that they can convince Leeds United to part ways with the 25-year-old. The report adds that Arsenal are optimistic about their chances of signing the Brazilian, who is open to a transfer despite reports claiming otherwise.
Barcelona are also in the hunt to sign Raphinha and have made the winger their top target to replace contract rebel Ousmane Dembele. The Blaugrana are believed to have reached an agreement over personal terms with the winger. But they are yet to make an official proposal to Leeds United. Barcelona’s financial situation has further complicated their pursuit of Raphinha.
Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Raphinha and have made contact with Leeds United about a potential move. The Lilywhites are also reported to be readying an offer for the 25-year-old, but as things stand, Everton star Richarlison is their priority target, which leaves the path clear for Barcelona.
Like Tottenham, Chelsea have also been linked with Raphinha but are instead prioritising a move for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling. So, there is a feeling among the interested parties that Arsenal are currently the front-runners to sign the 25-year-old from Leeds United. With an improved offer in the works, it will be interesting to see if Arteta and Edu Gaspar can close the deal to land Raphinha next week.
