Arsenal have had a very busy start to the summer transfer window.
The north London club have already announced the signings of Gabriel Jesus, Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira and Matt Turner, with technical director Edu expected to bring in additional faces before the summer deadline. Leeds United's Raphinha was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium earlier in the window, although transfer chatter has seemingly cooled down in recent times, considering both Chelsea and Barcelona are also keen on the Brazilian international.
With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at all the latest news linking the 25-year-old with a move away from Elland Road.
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Latest development
Leeds confirmed on Saturday afternoon that Raphinha would not be in the squad to travel to Australia for the start of their pre-season tour. Transfer guru Ben Jacobs has also reported that whilst Barcelona doesn't have an accepted offer from the Yorkshire-based club yet, they are in advanced talks for the player.
Arsenal still 'in the race' in the last 24 hours
According to the Evening Standard, a decision on Raphinha's future is expected within 24 hours, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona all competing for the Brazilian's signature.
Arsenal have not given up hope of luring Raphinha to the Emirates Stadium despite being snubbed earlier in the transfer window, but Chelsea are the frontrunners should Barcelona not come through.
Decision made
According to Sport, Raphinha has asked agent Deco to stop a move to Chelsea this summer, despite the Blues agreeing a fee with Leeds for a transfer. Arsenal continue to be heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian, while Barcelona also appear to be in the running.
Chelsea take control
As per The Athletic, Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee north of £55m with Leeds for Raphinha, but the deal isn't done yet. The report adds that Chelsea are now best placed with both club and player as long-term favourites Barcelona can't afford him as things stand, and Arsenal can't either at the current required price.
'Advanced negotiations'
Arsenal are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Leeds over the signing of Raphinha, according to Twitter user @ConMarbleHalls, host of Arsenal podcast The Marble Halls Show.
They wrote on Twitter: "Exclusive. Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with Leeds United for the transfer of Raphinha. Talks yesterday went well between clubs close to finding total agreement for add-ons to get close to Leeds valuation. Personal terms agreed with the player are getting close."
Barcelona and Chelsea worry
A report from The Athletic on Tuesday night stated that Barcelona remains Raphinha's preferred destination for a move this summer. However, the Catalan giants remain well short of the asking price, throwing the chances of a move to the Camp Nou into serious doubt.
It means Raphinha will have to either wait for a move to Barcelona or choose a second choice. The same report details that Chelsea would be his top pick after Xavi's side over a move to the Emirates, despite Arsenal already submitting a formal offer for the Brazil international.
Deal 'very close'
According to Goal Brazil, the north London outfit are 'very close' to signing Raphinha. Their report claims that the 25-year-old doesn't want to continue waiting for Barcelona to make a move, and the player is said to be hoping to complete a move to Arteta's side within the week.
£50m bid expected
Arsenal are expected to make a £50million bid for Raphinha this summer, according to The Times. If he were to sign for that amount, he would become the Gunners' joint-third most expensive signing in history following the arrival of Ben White for the same fee last summer.
Only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe cost the club more.
No more Barcelona competition
Arsenal have made 'a great offer' to sign Leeds star Raphinha, according to Spanish journalist Ruben Uria. He also claims that Barcelona have 'disappeared' from the race to sign the Brazilian.
Interest confirmed
Arsenal transfer guru Charles Watts has spoken about the Gunners' interest in Raphinha. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "I'm told it's absolutely genuine, and Arsenal are very much are interested in Raphinha.
"If there is a deal to be done this summer, they will try to do it. It is just a case of everything falling into place with what happens with Barcelona, what happens with Nicolas Pepe.
"As usual in the transfer window, all things are pretty complicated."
Contract admission
Raphinha has been coy when asked about his future at Elland Road, claiming that it is all up to his agent Deco and the Yorkshire-based club. "I have a contract with Leeds until 2024. My future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds," he said while on international duty with Brazil.
"I have my mind set on the national team, on the game and also on my vacations. I have a contract with Leeds, and this issue is resolved by my agent. When there is something, he will tell me."
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