Arsenal have moved into pole position to sign Leeds United’s Raphinha with the Gunners set to intensify their pursuit of the winger next week, The Athletic have reported this afternoon.
The report claims that Arsenal are now considered to be firm favourites to land the former Rennes player and will meet with his agents next week, while also being prepared to improve on their inital offer.
Tottenham are instead focusing their attention on Everton forward Richarlison to help to bolster Antonio Conte’s attacking options as the club look to manage the demands of the Premier League alongside their return to the Champions League.
(Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Arsenal are reported to have made an opening bid earlier this week which fell below Leeds’ valuation of the Brazilian and was rejected (Sky Sports).
Fabrizio Romano claimed yesterday that Leeds are in a stronger position to demand their asking price for Raphinha, following Kalvin Phillips’ impending move to Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are set to pay a fee in the region of £45m to £50m to take the England international from Elland Road, which will leave Leeds in a stronger financial position (Sky Sports).
The Gunners are also set to complete a move for another Spurs-linked player, Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City, for a transfer fee said to be around £45m.
Our View – Arsenal looking strong in attack
Given ENIC’s £150million cash injection into Tottenham earlier this month, the club are certainly holding their purse strings tight while Arsenal are now moving up a gear with their transfer activity as they look to push for a top four finish next season.
Raphinha scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season which is a decent return for a struggling Leeds side (transfermarkt), Spurs fans can only look on and hope that Paratici and co are set to play a blinder with their dealings.
