Jack Wilshere delivers honest verdict on Arsenal’s Raphinha and Gabriel Jesus transfer pursuit

Jack Wilshere has delivered his verdict on Arsenal’s pursuit of Brazilian stars Raphinha and Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal are set to be one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs this summer as they prepare for the return of European football to the Emirates Stadium.

Despite being pipped to the Champions League by Tottenham there was plenty for Arsenal fans to be excited about last season and the break could be equally as riveting. Last season saw Mikel Arteta splash over £140 million on new recruits and we could see a similar outlay this time around.

The Gunners announced the signing of Fabio Vieira on Tuesday, with the announcement following the arrival of Marquinhos last week.

READ MORE: Arsenal ‘very close’ to completing £50m transfer deal as Gabriel Jesus talks set to intensify

Brazilian duo Raphinha and Gabriel Jesus are two more names on the Gunners’ wish list, however.

A report from The Athletic on Tuesday night stated that Barcelona remains Raphinha’s preferred destination for a move this summer but the Catalan giants remain well short of the asking price, throwing the chances of a move to the Camp Nou into serious doubt.

It means Raphinha will have to either wait for a move to Barcelona or choose a second choice. The same report details that Chelsea would be his top pick after Xavi’s side over a move to the Emirates, despite Arsenal already submitting a formal offer for the Brazil international.

Meanwhile, Jesus’ agents are understood to have been in London this week to help push through a move to the Emirates. football.london understands that the City forward remains open to leaving the current Premier League champions after following months of talks between his representatives and Edu.

Signing both Raphinha and Jesus would dramatically improve Arsenal, and former star Wilshere believes they’ve got what it takes to help the Gunners to progress.

Speaking about Leeds United winger Raphinha on talkSPORT, as cited by the Metro, he gave his verdict on the two forwards: “He’s [Raphinha] someone who came to England and adapted straight away. That always shows the quality of a player because some players – even top players – take a little while to get to grips with the Premier League.

“He’s got a lot of experience in a short amount of time and was in a relegation battle last season. He’s one I would like to see at Arsenal.”

Wilshere also thinks Jesus will add an additional threat up front: “I think he would be a top, top signing. He’s a top striker and he’s obviously played in a top team for many years now. He knows the Premier League so he’s someone who could come in and fit in straight away. With Arsenal’s creative players, he would score a lot of goals.”

Arsenal fans will be hoping the speculation amounts to something, but if Edu can get both deals over the line, the Gunners will be much better for it.

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