Arsenal have sent a formal offer to Leeds United for Raphinha if recent reports are to be believed.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window following a disappointing end to the season that saw them miss out on a place in next season's UEFA Champions League, with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur pipping them to fourth. Mikel Arteta's side have been linked with a move for Manchester City frontman Gabriel Jesus and football.london understands that technical director Edu has held talks with the player's representatives in recent months.
Another Brazilian international that is said to be a target for the north Londoners is Leeds winger Raphinha. Now, David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that they have sent a formal bid to the Yorkshire-based club on Tuesday evening, although the offer is said to be well below Leeds' valuation of the player.
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The report goes on to say that the offer is expected to be rejected out of hand. Catalan giants Barcelona have also been heavily linked with a move for the former Lille star but the La Liga side's ongoing financial problems make a move difficult.
Ornstein's report goes on to say that the player would like to play in the UEFA Champions League and wants to win trophies, making Barcelona and Chelsea the player's preferred choices over Arsenal. Still, he has previously claimed that his future lies in the hands of Leeds and his agent Deco.
"I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds," he said while on international duty with Brazil. "I have my mind set on the national team, on the game and also on my vacations.
"I have a contract with Leeds and this issue is resolved by my agent. When there is something, he will tell me."
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