Arsenal have finally seemed to make a breakthrough in their pursuit for Leeds United winger Raphinha. The Gunners can also take encouragement from Chelsea’s recent transfer activity.
Earlier last week, The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported that Arsenal had a bid rejected by Leeds United. The player also did not not view the Gunners as a preferred move with Chelsea and Barcelona both linked to the winger.
However, it seems that Chelsea have turned their attentions fully towards Raheem Sterling, who plays in the same position as Raphinha on the right-hand side. With Chelsea being removed as a competitor, it gives the needed reassurance for Edu to complete a deal for the Brazilian.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta risky £35m sacrifice may prove crucial in helping Arsenal secure Raphinha transfer
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea will submit a new proposal for Sterling as they’re already working on it. Tuchel wants him and personal terms have already been discussed. This follows on reports from Ben Jacobs at CBS Sports that the Blues are hoping to sign the winger for £45m.
Despite Arsenal’s interest, the Leeds United winger would prefer a move to Barcelona as the player reportedly agreed to personal terms in February according to Romano. But a deal has stalled as Barcelona have been unable to meet the asking price that Leeds are demanding.
It seems that Barcelona is the only serious competition to sign the player but Xavi’s recent intentions also gave Edu further reassurance. According to Spanish journalist Dario Montero, Barcelona are keen to keep Dembele ahead of next season. Xavi has reportedly spoken directly to Joan Laporta about offering the Frenchman a new contract.
Xavi’s inteerst in keeping Dembele at the club could prove crucial in Arsenal’s pursuit of Raphinha. With the Frenchman staying with the La Liga side, Laporta may no longer need to search for a replacement in this position
A deal for Raphinha would not have been at the forefront of Arsenal fans' minds due to the club already having two left-footed wingers who are strongest on the right-hand side in Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe. But the squad is set for a shake-up, which creates space for Raphinha in the team.
Pepe’s future is uncertain at the club as the winger wants to leave Arsenal this summer and has instructed his agent to find him a new club, football.london understands. The winger has two years left on his deal and found the game time given to him by Arteta extremely limited during the previous campaign, which may well have led to his desire for a way out of the club.
With The Gunners on the hunt for Raphinha, they can certainly take encouragement from Chelsea and Barcelona’s recent transfer intentions. Arsenal now have a great chance to secure Mikel Arteta’s ideal signing.
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