Arsenal Set To Bid Around £50m For Leeds United Winger Raphinha

Arsenal's second bid for Leeds United winger Raphinha will be in the region of £50m, after their initial £30-40m offer was turned down.

The Daily Mail report that Arsenal's initial bid for Raphinha was £30m plus £10m in add-ons, but their next offer will be significantly improved.

The Gunners are planning to propose a deal worth around £50m this time around.

It still may not be enough, with the report suggesting Leeds value Raphinha at £65m, but it's a major advance on their first attempt.

The Mail claim Leeds don't wish to stand in Raphinha's way if they receive a fair offer.

Reports this week have suggested Arsenal will intensify efforts to sign Raphinha in the next seven days.

The club have scheduled talks with Raphinha's representatives, and they believe they're in a strong position to complete a deal.

Given the 25-year-old is open to a move to the Emirates Stadium, it's just a case of finding an agreement with Leeds now.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also shown an interest in Raphinha this summer, but they're both focusing on other targets as it stands.

Chelsea are making a move for Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, whilst Spurs have Richarlison as their first choice.

There were also links to Barcelona earlier in the window, but the La Liga side were relying on activating a €25m release clause that would have taken effect if Leeds had been relegated - which they weren't.

At this stage, it appears Barcelona can't afford the move, and they're focusing on other targets.

Raphinha scored 11 goals for Leeds last season, helping them to avoid relegation.

The winger's form also propelled him into the Brazilian national side, where he's made a good early impression.

Making nine international appearances this season, Raphinha has scored three goals and assisted two - including a World Cup qualification brace against Uruguay.

That form for club and country has put him on the radars of some of Europe's top clubs, and Arsenal are currently in pole position.

The Gunners will hope to get the bulk of their transfer business done before the pre-season fixtures get underway on July 8th.

Ideally, they'll want new signings to be available by July 4th, as that's when they head off for their first pre-season camp in Germany.

After that, it's another week or so until the tour of the USA. The sooner they can find an agreement with Leeds, the better.