I'm still very sceptical, but I must admit that my confidence levels regarding Arsenal's move for Raphinha have risen ever so slightly.
A deal looked far too complicated at one point amid interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Barcelona, but it appears Edu has been able to work his magic and give us a real chance of landing him this summer. The Athletic reported that Arsenal plan to 'intensify' talks to sign him next week, with an improved bid also expected to be tabled following a rejected offer a few days ago.
It's added that Arsenal are now viewed as the favourites to land the 25-year-old after Spurs and Chelsea turned their attention to other targets, while Barcelona struggle to raise funds. However, it isn't just other teams that are paving the way for Arsenal to get their man. Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu are understood to be closing in on Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus after a breakthrough in talks on Friday. A verbal agreement is now said to be in place between the two clubs over a £45million deal and personal terms are not expected to be an issue.
READ MORE: Arsenal make major Raphinha transfer decision as Edu moves closer to £65m deal
The signing of Jesus is a statement of intent by Arsenal, with the forward arriving from the current Premier League champions where he has played a key role under Pep Guardiola. It will undoubtedly impress Raphinha, who will want to be part of an ambitious side which is aiming for success.
It also means Arsenal will have another Brazilian in the team, with Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes already key members of the squad. Not to mention the addition of Marquinhos earlier in the window.
This can also play a major part in convincing the player to join. I'm sure some of the aforementioned names have spoken to him as negotiations continue, particularly Gabriel, who played with the winger when they were both teenagers. But even if messages haven't been exchanged, Raphinha will know that he has the opportunity to link up with people he's very close to.
Not only would that make him settle in fairly quickly should he make the switch to north London, but it can help take his game to another level. Raphinha will have great a great understanding with the likes of Jesus and Martinelli in attack, while Gabriel can assist with the defensive side of his game.
READ NEXT:
Raphinha has already shown what he will bring to Arsenal as Edu nears £65m transfer deal
New Arsenal signing arrives in London to complete £7.5m transfer as Edu nears Gabriel Jesus deal
Gabriel Jesus signs, Raphinha joins & Lisandro Martinez arrives: Arsenal's best transfer window
Raphinha to Arsenal transfer: Personal terms 'agreed', deal 'close', Barcelona and Chelsea worry
Arsenal's £350m summer spending spree points to further transfers after Gabriel Jesus deal
