Arsenal Dealt Major Blow In Race To Sign £70 Million Raphinha

Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their hopes of signing Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to reports.

The 25-year-old has been hugely impressive since moving to the West Yorkshire side a couple of years ago, settling well into life as a Premier League star.

Now because of his consistently good form, Raphinha has had a number of suitors looking his way, including Arsenal who have expressed an interest in the signing.

However, it appears that the Gunners will struggle to convince Raphinha to join the club, with his heart set on joining LaLiga giants FC Barcelona.

The player, whose agent is former Barcelona midfielder Deco, has according to Sport Witness, told all clubs not to bother as he has his heart set on moving to the Spanish side.

Barcelona's financial struggles could mean that clubs have hope in signing him, with Spanish club unable to stump up the massive £70 million asking fee that Leeds have.

Raphinha has been linked with a move away (Alamy)

Arsenal have begun to build a Brazilian corner in their squad, with Gabriel at the back and Gabriel Martinelli up front, the club also recently secured the signing of winger Marquinhos.

The Gunners are also heavily linked with a move for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus.

While it's not expected that Marquinhos will be a first team player any time soon, it's clear to see what Edu and Mikel Arteta are doing at the club and the ideas they have for personnel.

"I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds," Raphinha recently said on international duty with Brazil.

"I have a contract with Leeds and this issue is resolved by my agent. When there is something, he will tell me."

Leeds will have a fight to keep Raphinha on their books, with Bayern Munich also among a number of teams interested in his signature.