Edu close ties with Mikel Arteta ideal £65m signing's agent can see Arsenal win transfer battle

Arsenal are set for a tough battle to secure the signature of Raphinha ahead of next season. However, Edu’s close relationship with his agent Deco could play a major part in persuading the Brazilian to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium.

On Tuesday evening, The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported that Arsenal had a bid rejected by Leeds United, with the player also not viewing the Gunners as a preferred move with Chelsea and Barcelona both linked to the winger. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has quoted Raphinha to cost around £65million.

Raphinha would certainly enhance Arteta’s firepower for the new campaign. It is Edu’s close relationship with Deco that could play a major factor.

Barcelona's proposed £43m transfer gives Mikel Arteta key leverage in Arsenal's Raphinha pursuit

Edu and Deco are constantly seen interacting on Instagram with the two Brazilians exchanging likes on their uploads. Edu is also seen repeatedly commenting on Deco’s posts and even wishing his daughter a happy birthday, highlighting the close ties between the pair.

Deco is having a major role to play in the destination of Raphinha’s next club. This was even confirmed by the player himself.

Speaking to the press ahead of Brazil’s friendly with Japan in June , Raphinha addressed his future at Leeds, but made clear his intention was to do anything to play for Brazil in Qatar.

"If I say that it doesn't matter, I would be lying," Raphinha said, as reported by Globo. "Knowing that there are less than six months left for the Cup, you have to be active in the clubs, that weighs on the decision, but I trust my potential

"If it's to stay or leave, I'll do my best, look for my space and I'll try to be well for the World Cup."

Questions then