Arsenal Raphinha Talks Ongoing Despite Claims Gunners Pulled The Deal

Arsenal are still chasing the signature of Leeds United winger Raphinha after reports from Spain claimed the Gunners had pulled out of the race.

The North Londoners remain keen on signing Raphinha, according to various sources, despite SPORT in Spain claiming they were ready to throw in the towel for the Barcelona target, ahead of Gabriel Jesus’ imminent transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

Leeds have already rejected an opening offer from Arsenal for the £65-million-rated Raphinha, thought to have fallen below the £40-million mark.

According to SPORT, however, the Elland Road outfit are likely to continue blocking the Gunners’ advances with Raphinha’s heart apparently set on a move to Barcelona.

With Manchester City’s Jesus poised for a £45-million switch to Arsenal, SPORT also state that the purchase signals the end of the Raphinha saga for the Premier League giants.

But CBS Sport’s Ben Jacobs, among others, believes otherwise.

According to the journalist, Arsenal are yet to pull out of the race for the Brazil international.

Goal Brasil go one further in the claims that the North Londoners remain keen on the coveted wide man.

As per Goal sources, the 25-year-old Leeds star will become Arsenal’s next priority, following Jesus’ confirmation.

Fresh talks are scheduled between the player’s camp and his widely-reported suitor in the coming week.

Although the player still remains hopeful of a dream move to Barcelona, the cash-strapped Catalan’s hopes of signing Raphinha, as all three of the aforementioned sources suggest, rests on the future of Ousmane Dembélé.

Dembélé's current deal with the La Liga outfit expires later this week, but they're discussing an extension.

Barcelona’s additional financial constraints place Arsenal in pole position for Raphinha’s signature, according to Goal, with £50 million being the lowest possible deal the player’s entourage see Leeds succumbing to.

London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are also believed to be monitoring the developments, but neither have come into direct contact with the relevant parties as of yet.

That could be as both clubs have other priorities for the position at the moment.

Spurs are interested in Richarlison, whilst Chelsea are reportedly chasing Raheem Sterling.

Raphinha caught the eye in his debut season for Leeds, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in 2020/21.

He then followed that up with 11 more Premier League goals in his second campaign to help the side from Yorkshire maintain its top-flight status.

The ex-Sporting and Stade Rennais man is now well-positioned to star for Brazil ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where he’s likely to be joined by heavy Arsenal representation in Gabriel Magalhães, Gabriel Martinelli and, potentially, the inbound Gabriel Jesus.