According to latest reports, Arsenal are set to ramp-up their efforts to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha. Multiple clubs are interested in signing the Brazilian forward, but the Gunners are now being deemed as firm favourites to secure his signature this summer.

The Gunners have been fairly active in the transfer market in their buildup to the upcoming 2022/23 season. The club are desperately trying to tie down some offensive players, namely Man City’s Gabriel Jesus, to their ranks. Raphinha’s name has been on several clubs’ wish-list and it has popped up as an Arsenal target as well.

The 25-year-old impressed all the top clubs across Europe last season after demonstrating his firepower for a relegation-battling Leeds team that were struck with a massive number of injuries in the first-team. The Brazillian scored 11 goals and assisted 3, contributing a third of the club’s goals, that too from the wings (stats via Transfermarkt).

According to The Athletic, Arsenal are set to make an improved second bid to sign Raphinha from Leeds United this summer. The report states that the Gunners are looking to reach an agreement for the player, having manoeuvred into a strong position over a potential move.

🚨 Arsenal to intensify efforts next week to sign Raphinha from Leeds. More talks planned with 25yo’s camp & increased offer expected. Feeling among other suitors is #AFC now leading & he’s said to be open to joining them. W/ @PhilHay_ @TheAthleticUK #LUFC https://t.co/FDYluxP0zx

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 25, 2022

As reported by The Athletic earlier this week, the North London side officially expressed interest in the Brazilian winger by submitting an opening bid. However, the offer fell well below the Whites’ valuation of their star player and was turned down by the club. Despite the rejection, Arsenal are keen on securing the player’s services as manager Mikel Arteta wants Raphinha on the team and Edu has good links with his agent, Deco.

The 25-year-old was Leed United’s top scorer last season after key first-team players spent prolonged spells on the sidelines due to injuries throughout the campaign. His heroics earned him interest from clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, but especially from La Liga giants, FC Barcelona.

Barcelona are said to be his favoured option, but he seem to have gotten tired of waiting for an offer from the Catalan giants. The player is now thought to be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium. Further talks are set to be scheduled between the Gunners and the player’s representatives in the coming weeks.

https://twitter.com/mariEscobarSSX3/status/1538484269336731648

Arsenal’s late slip in the last few games resulted in losing out on a Champions League spot. They secured qualification to the Europa League, but it is a major detracting factor for most players who would rather ply their trade in the Champions League if given the option. The Athletic also reported earlier this month that Leeds understand Raphinha’s ambition and won’t obstruct or intrude on his move in any way as long as their valuation for him is met by any club.

The Brazillian had been patiently waiting for the La Liga side to put their offer on the table for him. Raphinha and his representatives understand Barcelona’s financial situation and know that the Catalan club are in no position to make a bid that is worth Leed’s valuation for the player.

Read More:

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• Atalanta Begin Talks to Sign Arsenal Defender, Appalled by the Gunners’ Asking Price
• Arsenal Reach Verbal Agreement With City Over the Transfer of €50m Rated Star, Personal Terms Offered

Moreover, the player’s move to the Camp Nou is also conditional based on whether French winger Ousmane Dembele moves in this window or not. He has been in contact with Chelsea over a potential move but the Blues have gotten frustrated over the winger’s lack of clarity.

After a breakthrough season, the winger has attracted serious interest from a host of elite clubs. Arsenal can use the current situation surrounding Raphinha to their advantage and try to prize away the Leeds winger as fast as possible before any other club expresses serious interest.

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