Arsenal Have First Raphinha Bid Rejected But Are 'Determined To Sign 25-Year-Old'

Arsenal lodged an opening bid for Leeds star Raphinha last night, reports the ultra reliable David Ornstein. 

The Gunners have been full steam ahead so far this transfer window, with recent acquisition Fabio Vieira the latest in a growing list of transfers. 

Brazilian maestro Raphinha is the next on technical director Edu’s transfer hunt, with Leeds rejecting an opening offer from Arsenal. According to Ornstein, the offer is expected to be “rejected out of hand” by The Whites, but the negotiation team at N5 haven’t been deterred. They are 'determined' to sign the player.

Reports suggest that the 25-year-old is keen on a move to the Emirates, with Journalist Freddie Paxton reporting that “Raphinha is open to joining Arsenal”.

With Champions League clubs like Barcelona circling, any potential move for the talismanic winger will be far from easy, which is perhaps the reasoning behind the ultra aggressive approach this transfer window by Edu and co. 

Arsenal's negotiating tactics this summer thus far have been aggressive.

The Leeds man wide-man would provide much needed quality to the Gunners squad, a team that became worryingly reliant on the exploits of young Bukayo Saka last season - shown by the fact he was the only Arsenal player to feature in all 38 league games. Next season shows no signs of easing up, with a gruelling schedule in store ahead of the World Cup. Arteta will not only want quality, but quality in depth. 

Whether a move for Raphinha comes to fruition is up in the air. More will unravel in the coming days regarding the future of the Brazilian, but one thing is clear, the first domino has fallen.