Arsenal are set to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha this week, according to reports coming out of Brazil, with the forward no longer willing to wait for Barcelona.
It was thought that the Leeds man, whose agent is Barcelona legend Deco, was set on a move to the Camp Nou this summer, but in a shock twist. Goal Brazil now report that he is ready to forego that in order to finalise his future now, meaning that a move to Arsenal could be wrapped up this week.
‘The Brazilian does not wait for Barça and hopes to close his transfer to Arsenal this week’, they claim, while Leeds sources ‘know nothing’ about any firm Barcelona interest.
Raphinha could be an Arsenal player by the end of the week, according to reports. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images).
Should he make the move to the Emirates this summer, he would become their third signing of the summer, following compatriot Marquinhos and Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira to north London.
And it is not expected to end there.
What next for Arsenal?
The Gunners are seemingly ready to spend big this summer, with a deal for Gabriel Jesus also thought to be in the pipeline.
Beyond that, they are also keen on Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, though they may face competition from Manchester United for the versatile defender.
Meanwhile, a deal for Youri Tielemans has been mooted too, which, with the above signings, Raphinha and the money spent already, could take their spending in excess of the £150m that they spent last summer.
Fábio Vieira signs with Arsenal until June 2027 after medical tests now successfully completed. Done and sealed. ??? #AFC
Arsenal are also set to announce Nketiah new deal, Tielemans talks still ongoing – but no official bid yet. Busy days on many negotiations for Edu.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2022
It would represent a massive step up in quality across the squad too, with Raphinha likely replacing current record-signing Nicolas Pepe as competition for young star Bukayo Saka.
