£50m star ‘would be attracted’ by Emirates move

Arsenal are ‘seriously interested’ in signing Leeds United ace Raphinha and the Brazilian would see a move to the Emirates Stadium as an ‘attractive’ proposition, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Having missed out on Champions League qualification by two points last season, boss Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his options by welcoming Raphinha to north London.

What’s the latest news involving Raphinha?

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have strengthened their interest in Raphinha by sending a formal offer to Leeds.

The report suggests – amid additional interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – the Gunners’ bid for the nine-cap Brazil international fell considerably below his current employers’ valuation and was expected to be rejected out of hand.

The development comes after it had initially been reported that Leeds are seeking more than £50million less than two years on from sealing his arrival for £17million.

Arsenal are now understood to be at the front of the queue for Raphinha’s signature and there have even been claims that a deal could be struck by the end of the week.

Leeds find themselves in a precarious position as they no longer anticipate being able to negotiate a contract extension with Raphinha, whose current agreement has two years remaining.

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Raphinha?

O’Rourke believes Leeds will find it difficult to keep Raphinha at Elland Road beyond the closure of the transfer window on September 1.

The journalist feels the 25-year-old will be interested in swapping Yorkshire for London after Arsenal tested the Whites’ resolve.

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O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Leeds will be facing a big battle to keep hold of him this summer.

“With Arsenal being seriously interested in putting a serious offer in for him, there’s no reason to say why he wouldn’t want the opportunity to move to Arsenal.

“I’m sure a move to London would also be attractive to Raphinha and linking up with other Brazilians already at the club.”

Which year did Dennis Bergkamp leave Arsenal?

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2012

Would Raphinha be a good signing for Arsenal?

Raphinha has impressed since heading to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals and laying on a further 12 assists in 67 Leeds appearances.

The Brazilian, whose solitary pieces of silverware came during his time in Portugal with Sporting, also faired well when compared to Arsenal’s current wingers last season.

FBref statistics show Raphinha averaged more goals than Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel Martinelli per 90 minutes, while he also puts in the hard yards as he made more interceptions and applied pressure more consistently than the trio.

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