Arsenal: Arteta has financial backing 'behind the scenes' at the Emirates

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has ‘the backing of the club’ and is being trusted to splash the cash in order to strengthen his Emirates Stadium squad, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Gunners were the Premier League’s biggest spenders during last summer’s window and, having already been busy in the transfer market, could boast a huge outlay once again.

According to Goal, Arsenal are closing in on the big-money signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha.

The report suggests a deal for the nine-cap Brazil international could be concluded as soon as by the end of the week.

It is understood that, amid additional interest from Barcelona and north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, the Gunners are readying a £50million bid.

Arsenal have also been exploring the possibility of signing Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus, with technical director Edu holding discussions with the striker’s representatives for a number of months.

At the other end of the pitch, Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez has been earmarked as Arteta’s top defensive target.

Jones believes there is a positive outlook at Arsenal thanks to Arteta having the full support of the key decision-makers behind closed doors.

The transfer insider feels the Spaniard is being trusted with a sizeable budget due to a host of previous signings paying off.

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Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I think it’s a good sign and, behind the scenes, they consistently brief that Arteta is getting the backing of the club, that they have a vision, everyone believes in it and you just have to trust the process.

“Most of the people that have come in have fitted in pretty well.”

Teenage forward Marquinhos has joined Arsenal from