"Arsenal are trying to steal in" – Journalist drops intriguing claim as Edu lines up "huge coup"

Arsenal signing Raphinha would be a “huge coup” for Mikel Arteta, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Spaniard recently secured his first addition of the window when Fabio Vieira joined from Porto and the Gunners manager is now hoping to bring in the Leeds winger.

Raphinha looked set to join Barcelona, but their financial problems have potentially opened the door for Arsenal.

David Ornstein confirmed their interest in the Brazil international and then reported that the north Londoners had seen an opening offer rejected for Raphinha.

The report didn’t reveal exactly how much Arsenal bid, but it fell ‘well below’ Leeds’ £60m asking price.

It says that Raphinha’s preferred destinations are Barcelona followed by Chelsea, although Arteta is very keen on bringing the 25-year-old to the Emirates Stadium, with Edu hoping his relationship with the attacker’s agent Deco can help their cause.

Raphinha has rose to fame at Elland Road, scoring 17 goals and assisting 11 to help Leeds maintain their top-flight status.

But the ex-Stade Rennes ace wants to play at the highest level and while the capital club aren’t able to offer Champions League football, their fifth place finish at least means they’re back in the Europa League.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think it would be a huge coup. Most people expected Raphinha, if he was to leave Leeds, to sign for Barcelona, but we know their financial problems are stopping them from making moves, so Arsenal are trying to steal in and get Raphinha.”

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Naturally, the Brazilian’s best position is out on the right, which is where he’s spent the majority of his time at Leeds.

But Raphinha has played on the left more than 70