Mikel Arteta's secret weapon in ambitious bid to sign Raphinha ahead of Barcelona

Arsenal are targeting Leeds United winger Raphinha and are eager to beat Barcelona to his signature, according to reports.

Raphinha has been tipped to leave Elland Road in the coming weeks after catching the eye of numerous clubs following his standout displays across the last two seasons for Leeds. And Gunners boss Mikel Arteta could have a secret weapon to sign the forward instead of Barca.

Arteta will likely look to lean on numerous links to the winger in an attempt to convince him to snub Barca for the Emirates. Firstly, the 25-year-old played alongside Gabriel Magalhaes when he was coming through the youth ranks of Brazilian side Avai, and currently plays alongside Gabriel Martinelli for the Brazilian national side, so there's every chance the two could talk up a potential move to the Leeds man.

There's also the fact that Edu, Arsenal's transfer guru, boasts a number of strong Brazilian connections in the transfer market. The Arsenal technical director will oversee transfer activity this summer as he looks to provide Arteta with the ammunition required to finish in the top four.

Although Barca have been regarded as a likely destination for the Brazilian for sometime now, their current financial situation could prove to work in the Gunners favour, although they are likely not to be alone in their pursuit.

The Spaniard boss has identified the winger as a key player in their bid to strengthen the squad in their return to European football next season. Nicolas Pepe's departure this summer and Raphinha's ability to play on either flank is an element that pleases Arteta with the Brazilian providing more depth and competition in his squad.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are looking to finalise fresh terms for Eddie Nketiah in