The Gunners are pushing hard to sign Raphinha if reports are to be believed. Arsenal will need to strengthen in the wing positions ahead of the new campaign, and the Brazilian would certainly be the ideal acquisition.
However, Arsenal signing the winger could be heavily dependent on the transfer decisions of Chelsea and Barcelona due to the uncertain future of Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season with Chelsea reportedly interested, which could explain Barcelona’s interest in Raphinha as he would be a direct replacement.
It looked as though Dembele was on his way out of Barcelona, but this no longer seems to be the case with Xavi reportedly desperate to keep him at Camp Nou. This is a major boost for Arsenal in their pursuit of Raphinha.
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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.
football.london understands that the Blues are in talks directly with the Frenchman but there has been no agreement as of yet on his contract length and wages that he could earn in SW6. But Xavi’s recent intentions to keep Dembele at the club could halt any deal, which would provide as a major boost for Arsenal.
According to GOAL of Brazil, Raphinha is on the verge of signing for Arsenal. The player doesn’t know anything about Barcelona’s interest yet. A dead could be closed this week, while transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims a potential could cost £65m
Despite Arsenal’s interest, it seems that the Leeds United winger would prefer a move to Barcelona as the player reportedly agreed to personal terms in February according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. But a deal has stalled as Barcelona have been unable to meet the asking price that Leeds are demanding.
A deal for Raphinha would 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.
Nicolas 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 has likely led to his desire for a way out of the club.
Xavi’s insistence to keep Dembele at the club could prove pivotal in Arsenal’s pursuit of Raphinha. With the Frenchman staying with La Liga side, Laporta may no longer need to search for a replacement in this position.
