Raphinha to Arsenal transfer: Personal terms ‘agreed’, deal ‘close’, Barcelona and Chelsea worry

Arsenal are in for a busy transfer window this summer. The Gunners have already announced the signings of Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira, and the arrival of goalkeeper Matt Turner is set to be confirmed in the coming days.

While Edu seems close to striking a deal with Manchester City to sign Gabriel Jesus, another name on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist is Leeds United’s Raphinha. The Brazilian was reportedly interested in securing a move to Barcelona, but as a result of their financial struggles, Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners.

With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at all the latest news linking Raphinha with a move to north London.

READ MORE: Why Gabriel Jesus has chosen Arsenal over Tottenham and Chelsea as Edu closes in on £45m deal

‘Advanced negotiations’

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Leeds over the signing of Raphinha, according to Twitter user @ConMarbleHalls, host of Arsenal podcast The Marble Halls Show.

They wrote on Twitter: “Exclusive. Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with Leeds United for the transfer of Raphinha. Talks yesterday went well between clubs close to finding total agreement for add ons to get close to Leeds valuation. Personal terms agreed with player. Getting close.”

Barcelona and Chelsea worry

A report from The Athletic on Tuesday night stated that Barcelona remains Raphinha’s preferred destination for a move this summer. However, 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.

Deal ‘very close’

According to Goal Brazil, the north London outfit are ‘very close’ to signing Raphinha. Their report claims that the 25-year-old doesn’t want to continue waiting for Barcelona to make a move and the player is said to be hoping to complete a move to Arteta’s side within the week.

£50m bid expected

Arsenal are expected to make a £50million bid for Raphinha this summer, according to The Times. If he were to sign for that amount, he would become the Gunners’ joint-third most expensive signing in history following the arrival of Ben White for the same fee last summer.

Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe cost the club more.

No more Barcelona competition

Arsenal have made ‘a great offer’ to sign Leeds star Raphinha, according to Spanish journalist Ruben Uria. He also claims that Barcelona have ‘disappeared’ from the race to sign the Brazilian.

Interest confirmed

Arsenal transfer guru Charles Watts has spoken about the Gunners’ interest in Raphinha. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “I’m told it’s absolutely genuine and Arsenal are very much are interested in Raphinha.

“If there is a deal to be done this summer, they will try to do it. It is just a case of everything falling into place with what happens with Barcelona, what happens with Nicolas Pepe.

“As usual in the transfer window, all things are pretty complicated.”

Contract admission

Raphinha has been coy when asked about his future at Elland Road, claiming that it is all up to his agent Deco and the Yorkshire-based club. “I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds,” he said while on international duty with Brazil.

“I have my mind set on the national team, on the game and also on my vacations. I have a contract with Leeds and this issue is resolved by my agent. When there is something, he will tell me.”

Read more here.

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