Arsenal: 'World-class' £63k-a-week star 'interested' in Emirates move

Arsenal target Raphinha was interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium amid reports that Chelsea could be closing in on a deal, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The £63,000-per-week ace has emerged as one of the Gunners’ top targets this summer and Jones reckons he would be keen on signing for the north London outfit despite an intense race for his signature.

According to The Athletic, Mikel Arteta’s side were in pole position to sign the Brazil international before developments on Tuesday evening, having seen their first bid knocked back earlier this month.

The report states that Arsenal’s opening offer for Raphinha fell ‘well below’ Leeds’ £65m valuation for the wide man, who scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season.

But the same outlet believed the Gunners were expected to ‘intensify‘ their attempts to bring the 25-year-old to the club, with talks with Raphinha’s team scheduled for later this week – prior to Chelsea’s swoop.

With Raphinha one of the hottest prospects in the transfer window, Arsenal face stiff competition from the Blues and Barcelona, who are his top two destinations, while Tottenham are also in the running.

Prior to Tuesday’s development, Jones said Raphinha would be keen on linking up with Arteta’s men, especially after seeing Brazilian teammate Gabriel Jesus agree a move to the capital.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There has to be a reasonable chance that he does stay in the Premier League, because that Barcelona deal might not go through, and if that’s the case, Arsenal is an avenue that is open to him. And I’m told, he is interested in it.”

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