Just hours after submitting an official bid for Leeds winger Raphinha, Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the Brazil international.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the wide-man and is desperate to bring him to the Emirates as the club look to finally return to the Champions League next season after six years outside of the competition. However, they are not the only team keen on prising Raphinha away from Elland Road.
Spanish titans Barcelona were one of the first clubs to be linked with the 25-year-old and that interest has not softened in the wake of Arsenal's formal offer for the player. It is also widely believed that Raphinha views a switch to the Camp Nou as his preference if he is to be on the move this window.
With that in mind, the Arsenal hierarchy will be concerned by a picture uploaded to Instagram by former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. The ex-Cameroon international published a snap of himself sitting at a table alongside Barca president Joan Laporta and fellow Blaugrana icon Deco - also the agent of Raphinha.
Gunners staff and fans alike will be worried that the agent of one of their most sought-after transfer targets has been pictured smiling and laughing with the president of another club who happen to be interested in signing Raphinha.
Arsenal remain the only side of all the clubs mentioned to lodge a formal offer for the winger, though it is expected to be swiftly rejected by Leeds due to the bid being well below their valuation of the wide-man.
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However, Leeds Live reports that the bid was not an 'insulting' one from the Gunners and has left the Elland Road hierarchy aware that Arsenal are serious in their pursuit of the player.
Leeds are unlikely to be pressured into selling Raphinha for less than what they deem his worth, especially given the Brazilian still has two years left to run on his contract. At the same time, manager Jesse Marsch acknowledges the 25-year-old's desire to leave, whether that be to Catalonia or North London.
Eight-time La Liga winner Xavi is overseeing a rebuilding project at the helm of Barcelona, while Raphinha would be joining a growing Brazilian contingent at Arsenal if he is eventually persuaded by his fellow countryman Edu - the Gunners technical director.
Mikel Arteta's men already boast Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos within their ranks and are reportedly on the cusp of securing another Selecao star in Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus. Adding Raphinha would undoubtedly mark a huge statement of intent from Arsenal.
