Arsenal may be forced to turn to an alternative transfer target in the coming days after Chelsea had an offer accepted for sought-after Leeds winger Raphinha this week.
The Gunners' interest in signing the Brazilian had become well-publicised over the past week, but despite making two offers, they fell well short of the £60 million asking price set by Leeds. Chelsea, however, was seemingly eager not to waste time and is now entering a negotiation period with the player.
Arsenal are now reportedly playing a waiting game as they decide whether to match their London rivals' offer or move on to other targets. It comes as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options ahead of 2022-23, with three new recruits already all but confirmed.
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Goalkeeper Matt Turner and midfielder Fabio Vieira have already been announced by the club, while Gabriel Jesus is expected to be unveiled as a Gunner in the next 48 hours. Arteta and Edu are not expected to stop there either, and finding an alternative to Raphinha may have to become a priority.
One move they may look into is for PSV winger Cody Gakpo. The 23-year-old enjoyed a special year in the Netherlands, scoring 21 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions, attracting interest from clubs worldwide and is valued at £34 million.
As such, however, Arsenal are not the only club with interest in Gakpo. With Raphinha seemingly inevitably leaving Elland Road, Leeds are eyeing a high-profile replacement, and Gakpo is someone they want. Dutch outlet ED has reported that Leeds are set to open talks with the player with the director of football Victor Orta hoping to tempt him to Yorkshire.
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