“Arsenal are trying to steal in” – Journalist drops intriguing claim as Edu lines up “huge coup”
Arsenal signing premier league star forward Raphinha would be a “huge coup” for Mikel Arteta, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Spaniard recently secured his first addition of the window when Fabio Vieira joined from Porto and the Gunners manager is now hoping to bring in the Leeds winger.
What’s the latest news involving Raphinha?
Raphinha looked set to join Barcelona, but their financial problems have potentially opened the door for Arsenal.
David Ornstein confirmed their interest in the Brazil international and then reported that the north Londoners had seen an opening offer rejected for Raphinha.
The report didn’t reveal exactly how much Arsenal bid, but it fell ‘well below’ Leeds’ £60m asking price.
It says that Raphinha’s preferred destinations are Barcelona followed by Chelsea, although Arteta is very keen on bringing the 25-year-old to the Emirates Stadium, with Edu hoping his relationship with the attacker’s agent Deco can help their cause.
Raphinha has rose to fame at Elland Road, scoring 17 goals and assisting 11 to help Leeds maintain their top-flight status.
But the ex-Stade Rennes ace wants to play at the highest level and while the capital club aren’t able to offer Champions League football, their fifth place finish at least means they’re back in the Europa League.
What did O’Rourke say about Raphinha?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “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.”
Where could Raphinha play for Arsenal?
Naturally, the Brazilian’s best position is out on the right, which is where he’s spent the majority of his time at Leeds.
But Raphinha has played on the left more than 70 times in his career, which is somewhere he might find himself should he sign for Arsenal.
Bukayo Saka, arguably the best player in N7, has occupied the right-wing role since he moved higher up the pitch midway through last season, so Arteta might not want to unsettle one of his main stars.
Equally, Saka has also played on the left on 40 occasions, so it’s clear that should Arsenal win the race for Raphinha, they’ll have options and can definitely find a way to fit both players in the same team.
