Mikel Arteta has his next Arsenal transfer priority already lined up and it’s not Raphinha

The Gunners announced their second summer signing yesterday as Fabio Vieira sealed a £34million move from FC Porto. The Portugal Under-21 international follows Marquinhos through the door and is expected to be one of several new additions.

Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his squad even further and is reportedly eyeing Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez and Leeds United’s Raphinha. Links to the latter have heated up significantly this week, with The Athletic claiming that Arsenal had a formal offer for the winger rejected in recent hours.

Despite the setback, it is added that interest in Raphinha remains strong and the club is ‘determined’ to secure his services amid interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham.

READ MORE: Arsenal plan ambitious Raphinha deal as Edu ‘exploits’ £34m agent link to complete transfer

The Brazilian appears to be high up on Edu’s shopping list, though it seems one name has just about pipped him to the top. According to Italian transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus is the next ‘priority’ for Arsenal after wrapping up Vieira.

football.london understands talks between the club and Jesus’ representatives have been taking place for months, but the all-important breakthrough is yet to be made. However, various reports suggest talks are progressing well and a potential deal is now at an advanced stage.

Jesus will likely become Arsenal’s new main man up front if he was to join, and with Arteta being in desperate need of added firepower following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, its no surprise to see why the 25-year-old is being focused on.

Raphinha’s Brazilian teammate would not only bring a major goal threat, but also versatility across the frontline which Arteta likes his players to possess. The return to Europe as well as the introduction of five substitutes means those types of qualities will be key for the upcoming season.

When asked about further transfer business while speaking exclusively to the club’s media channel, Edu admitted that there are still some conversations going on behind the scenes and that he hopes “we can give to the fans some good news.”

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