Arsenal are in “direct negotiations” to sign Leeds winger Raphinha, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Reports in Brazil had claimed that the Gunners are close to signing the Brazilian international but, while Romano doesn’t go that far, he does say talks are taking place:
Raphinha situation. 🚨🇧🇷 #LUFC
▫️ Barcelona agreed personal terms with Raphinha, but no agreement on fee with Leeds.
▫️ Arsenal are in direct negotiations with Leeds, interested since March.
▫️ Both Chelsea & Tottenham have been in contact too.
▫️ Fee could be around 65/75m. pic.twitter.com/39igUIOTqV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2022
As Romano mentions, Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona are also in contention to sign Raphinha so Arsenal technical director Edu still has a lot of work to do in order to secure the player’s services.
One major obstacle appears to be Leeds’ asking price. It was originally believed that the Whites would be prepared to let the winger leave for around €50m (£43m) to €55m (£47m) but it looks as if it will take at least €60m (£56m) to snap him up.
As Raphinha plays his best football off the right-hand side, it seems surprising that the Gunners have prioritised a move for him, considering they already have Bukayo Saka, but clearly, they see the opportunity to sign the Leeds player as too good to turn down.