Arsenal have joined the race to sign Barcelona target Raphinha from Premier League rivals Leeds United, according to reports.
The Brazilian winger has been tremendous for the Whites since joining from Rennes for around £17m in 2020.
He was instrumental in helping his side avoid relegation from the Premier League last season, scoring 11 times in the top flight in 2021/22.
Barcelona are very keen on signing Raphinha this summer and are facing competition from Liverpool, who are long-time admirers of the player.
Amidst their financial crisis, the La Liga giants have tried to negotiate a cut-price deal and were optimistic about signing the 25-year-old for around £30m if Leeds went down.
However, the Yorkshire club’s valuation of their star player is thought to be double that after beating the drop.
As well as finding the necessary funds to land Raphinha, Barca will face plenty of competition from Premier League clubs.
West Ham United tried to sign the former Rennes man in January but failed in their bid for him and midfielder Kalvin Phillips
And now Arsenal have been thrown into the mix by The Telegraph, who claim Raphinha is on the Gunners’ list of potential summer signings.
European football will return next season after their fifth-place finish last term and Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad to help deal with the bulkier fixture list in 22/23.
Nicolas Pepe is “expected” to leave this summer, freeing up a spot for a new wide forward to join the London club.
Raphinha is an international teammate of Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Another Brazil star who could play for the Gunners next season is Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus. Arteta is on the hunt for a new No. 9 after the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
However, it is believed that the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has “ramifications” for a potential deal.
Talks between technical director Edu and Jesus’ representatives are believed to have progressed well after initially opening negotiations a few months ago.
