Arsenal have reportedly taken on pole position in the race for Raphinha as the Gunners look to pip Barcelona, Tottenham and Chelsea to the Whites winger. Mikel Arteta’s side have been eyeing the Brazilian for some time and, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano , they have entered ‘direct negotiations’ with Leeds ahead of their rivals.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a deal in recent weeks but have gone unusually quiet. Their valuation of the 25-year-old is thought to be some way below Leeds’ and, with no obligation to sell their talisman, the Whites have no reason to lower their asking price - believed to be around £55-65million.
Raphinha and Barcelona have had personal terms agreed for months and it has been reported that the player’s agent - former Barca midfielder Deco - has blocked other moves as they await the Catalan giants official approach, but the Leeds winger is growing impatient as Xavi’s side stall in their efforts and try to find the cash.
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And now Arsenal have made firm their interest in the Brazil international, reportedly opening ‘direct negotiations’ with Leeds and willing to meet the club’s asking price - two developments Barcelona have not managed in months, according to Romano.
“Raphinha situation. #LUFC Barcelona agreed personal terms with Raphinha, but no agreement on fee with Leeds.” Romano tweeted. “Arsenal are in direct negotiations with Leeds, interested since March. Both Chelsea & Tottenham have been in contact too. Fee could be around 65/75m.”
Goal’s Brazilian outlet reported earlier that Raphinha has given up on Barcelona’s approach and that he ‘hopes to close his transfer to Arsenal this week’ - how reliable that claim is remains to be seen, but Arsenal’s interest in the Leeds winger is serious. Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his side’s attacking firepower and has already added 19-year-old Brazil forward Marquinhos from Sao Paulo.
Gabriel Jesus could also join from Premier League champions Manchester City, adding to the Brazilian contingent of Gabriel Martinelli and Gabrial Magalhaes. It is likely that this group could tempt Raphinha to the Emirates despite the lack of Champions League football.
Those in charge at Elland Road are sympathetic to their winger’s desire to challenge for European competition - even if that is the Europa League for now - but have no need to lower their asking price after their final day win at Brentford secured Premier League safety and relinquished the reported relegation release clause.
Their stance has been made clear by their refusal to budge for Barcelona, who value the player somewhere between £25-35million. If Leeds are to sell Raphinha, however, then a deal will need to be finalised sooner rather than later to give Victor Orta reasonable time to secure a replacement.
There has been interest in the £8.5million-rated Ecuadorian forward Gonzalo Plata from Sporting Lisbon, while a repeated target in Adama Traore is also being linked with an £18million move from Wolves.
