According to journalist Pete O’ Rourke, signing Raphinha would be a huge coup for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal. Arsenal is looking to sign at least two marquee signings this summer as they already secured the move for Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira in a jiffy and out of the blue. The Gunners paid a transfer fee of €35m (£29.9m). Also, the 22-year-old player agreed to a 5-year deal at the Emirates Stadium outfit.
On the other hand for Raphinha, FC Barcelona made a strong case for themselves as well. They can hope their dream of Raphinha transfer is still on. This will definitely pose a threat to Arsenal as very recently the club led the race to sign the Brazilian. This news is coming after photos of Raphinha’s agent Deco’s meeting with Barca president went viral on social media. Now this will bring Arsenal fans’ hopes to see him playing for their badge next season under clouds of doubt.
David Ornstein of The Athletic also claimed that Arsenal already registered interest in the Brazil international. But Leeds United rejected the North London club’s initial bid for the talented winger. The report didn’t reveal how much The Gunners bid for him but was well below their asking fee of £60 million.
What did O’ Rourke say about the Arsenal target?
While speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke said. “I think it would be a huge coup. Most people expected Raphinha, if he was to leave Leeds, to sign for Barcelona, but we know their financial problems are stopping them from making moves, so Arsenal are trying to steal in and get Raphinha.”
But still, even though the Camp Nou outfit previously agreed personal terms with the player, Leeds won’t leave him cheap. Although Laporta in his meeting might convince his agent Deco to push for a move for a much cheaper price. Arsenal’s willingness to meet the price in due time can eventually result in a permanent switch to London for Raphinha.
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