Leeds United winger Raphinha is on the verge of completing a move to Arsenal, according to reports, after the Brazilian ran out of patience with Barcelona.
The Selecao star has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, after helping Leeds achieve Premier League survival.
Barca have shown interest in the 25-year-old, who they see as a potential replacement for Ousmane Dembele if he leaves at the end of his contract.
But Goal reports that the Spanish side aren’t yet able to afford a move and Raphinha has grown tired of waiting.
Arsenal have taken advantage by making him a more lucrative offer, and they are expected to complete the signing this week.
Leeds want £50 million for the Brazil international, who scored 11 Premier League goals in 35 games in 2021/22.
Arsenal have been very active in the market already this summer, completing moves for Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira.
Another name on their hit-list is Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, but a report on Monday said Tottenham are planning to hijack a deal.
City value the Brazilian at around £50m and he is Mikel Arteta’s top target to replace the departed Alexandre Lacazette, but Spurs hope to tempt the player with the prospect of Champions League football.
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Arsenal are busy in the transfer market already – and have reportedly already tied up their first deal of the window according to reports.
The search for a striker is ongoing. Gabriel Jesus is still a huge rumour, with the Gunners set to offer him a huge pay rise – though there may yet be stumbling blocks. Gianluca Scamacca remains the Plan B for Arsenal, though both Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Juventus star Alvaro Morata have been touted.
In midfield, Carney Chukuemeka of Aston Villa, long-term target Houssem Aouar, Serie A star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Leicester City schemer Youri Tielemans are on the radar. The north Londoners apparently remain confident of convincing Bukayo Saka to stay, too.
