Arsenal will show ‘a real signal of intent’ if they succeed in luring Leeds United talisman Raphinha to the Emirates Stadium, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke. The Gunners appear to be on the brink of completing the £45million signing of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, but Raphinha is also on boss Mikel Arteta’s radar.
Raphinha is at the centre of a four-way transfer battle, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona eager to take him off Leeds’ hands.
The Gunners have already made their move for the Brazilian, with them lodging a big-money bid earlier this week, but it fell short of his current employers’ valuation and was quickly rejected.
Although Raphinha still has two years remaining on his £63,000-per-week Elland Road deal, Leeds may be forced to cash-in on the winger as they no longer anticipate being able to negotiate a contract extension.