Arsenal Firm Favourites To Sign Raphinha With 2nd Bid Planned

Arsenal are preparing another push to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha next week, according to reports.

The Athletic report that Arsenal will intensify efforts to sign Raphinha this week, scheduling further talks with his representatives.

Those at the Emirates believe they're in a strong position and that the Brazil international is open to the move.

Other potential suitors for the 25-year-old's signature reportedly have the sense that Arsenal are now firm favourites for the deal.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in Raphinha this summer, but they're both focusing on other targets as it stands.

Chelsea are making a move for Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, which makes the recent news that Arsenal have agreed a fee for Gabriel Jesus all the more important.

Meanwhile, Spurs have Richarlison as their first choice right now.

There were also links to Barcelona earlier in the window, and various reports have suggested that the player had agreed terms with the La Liga side.

The problem is that Barcelona were relying on activating a €25m release clause that would have taken effect if Leeds had been relegated from the Premier League.

When Leeds avoided relegation, the Catalan club could no longer afford the deal.

Barcelona were Raphinha's first choice, but there no longer seems to be any benefit in him waiting for them.

A move to Arsenal is his safest bet right now.

The Athletic aren't the only outlet to report that Arsenal are planning another bid for Raphinha.

Sky Sports write that after agreeing a £45m fee with Manchester City for Gabriel Jesus, they're expected to make another offer for Raphinha.

Spanish outlet Relevo report that Arsenal and Leeds United are advancing in talks, continuing to get closer in negotiations.

Though with no full agreement yet, nothing is certain.

Raphinha scored 11 goals for Leeds this season, providing three assists and creating plenty more chances.

The winger's expected assists tally was seven, so it's clear that his chance creation wasn't matched by high-quality finishing at Leeds.

With the addition of Jesus and the new contract for Eddie Nketiah, as well as wide forwards like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Emile Smith Rowe, Arsenal should have plenty of finishers for Raphinha to work with.

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Topics: Raphinha, Leeds United

Dan Critchlow

Dan is an Arsenal writer and contributor to SPORTbible, focusing on transfer news, team news and the youth teams.

@afcDW