Arsenal: Arteta could have exciting plan for 'world-class' £60m star at Emirates

Arsenal could look to play Raphinha in a central role next season if they manage to sign him from Leeds, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

Raphinha has predominantly played as a right winger at Elland Road, but Talbot would not be surprised to see that change, should he move to the Emirates Stadium.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has claimed that Arsenal made a formal offer to Leeds for Raphinha on Tuesday, but it was rejected by their Premier League rivals.

The Gunners remain interested in the Brazilian forward, who was labelled as “world-class” by former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson last season, but he has also attracted interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham, so it could be difficult for them to win the race for his signature.

Leeds reportedly want at least £60m for Raphinha, who still has two years left on his current contract.

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Bukayo Saka won Arsenal’s Player of the Year last season after spending most of the campaign on the right wing, suggesting that it could be difficult for Raphinha to play in his favoured position at the Emirates.

Talbot thinks that Mikel Arteta could try to play Raphinha through the middle if he signs him, to accommodate the 25-year-old and Saka in his starting XI.

When asked about whether Raphinha could play centrally at Arsenal, Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “Possibly. Arsenal, the amount of outgoings, Aubameyang they need to replace still, and Lacazette’s gone. A few years ago, them two were their key players.

“He’s a Premier League proven player, I think he’s been mooted for an exit from Leeds for quite a long time, so I suspect that Arsenal could utilise him through the middle there.”

Raphinha getting in