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.
