Arsenal have shown real mettle in the window already with deals for Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira all expected to be at the club for the preseason. However, there is yet plenty more to be done for crucial marquee positions including midfield, striker and wide forward.
The wide forward role has today dramatically increased in focus with Arsenal reportedly close to securing the signing of Raphinha from Leeds United. Goal have reported that Barcelona are no longer in the race and the Gunners expect to close a deal with the Premier League side ‘this week’.
Raphinha played the majority of last season on the right-wing and will come in as a competitor to Bukayo Saka. The England international was a tired figure at the end of last season with Arteta seemingly unwilling to rotate the 20-year-old with Nicolas Pepe.