Jack Wilshere backed Arsenal to complete signing of £60m winger with Arteta handed ‘£215m war chest’
Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has backed the Gunners to complete the signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The Brazilian international played a huge part in his side avoiding relegation from the Premier League last term.
He scored 11 league goals in 2021/22 as the Yorkshire club finished 17th, three points above the drop zone.
Barcelona are believed to be interested in signing Raphinha, with the player keen on the move; however, the La Liga club’s financial situation has made it difficult for them to agree on a fee with Leeds.
The Whites are unlikely to stand in the attacker’s way this summer as he pursues a move elsewhere, but there is an agreement in place that he will only leave if his £60m valuation is met.
Despite reports suggesting that Leeds are looking for £60m, it has also been reported by Spanish outlet Sport that they are willing to accept less than €50m (£42.9m), whilst Fabrizio Romano has also claimed the player can leave for €55m (£47m).
Mikel Arteta – who has reportedly been handed a £215m war chest this summer – is eager to bring Raphinha to Arsenal this summer.
The Spanish manager is expected to be very busy in the coming months with a deal for Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez also being pursued.
And the Gunners – who are set to announce the £34m signing of Fabio Vieira from Porto – have been told by Wilshere that the signing of Raphinha would be a “good one”.
“For someone who’s only been in England for two years, he’s got a lot of experience,” he said on talkSPORT (quotes via Metro).
“He came to England and just clicked straight away.
“He was in a relegation battle last year so he knows he’s up for a fight.
“I think he’d be a good one for Arsenal. He’ll be expensive, of course he will.”
