To improve the caliber of Mikel Arteta’s attacking options for the upcoming season, Arsenal is making a strong effort to sign Raphinha. Along with settling on a transfer deal with Leeds United, convincing the Brazilian to join the team is proving to be difficult.
To agree to a transfer for Raphinha with Leeds, The Gunners might have to give up a old transfer target. The Whites are interested in signing Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, claims transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano.
Prior to the summer transfer window, the Dutchman was also frequently linked to Arsenal. To improve Leeds’ chances of getting Gakpo, who would then be Raphinha’s likely replacement, Edu must deny interest in him.
The Gunners were reportedly in the lead to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for an estimated £35, according to Dutch news outlet Voetbal international earlier in the season. In the January transfer window, there were rumors that the young player would move to the Emirates Stadium, but nothing came of it.
However, it appears that Arsenal has changed its focus to Raphinha as a result of the talent he has displayed in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons. Along with being three years older than Gakpo, he also has more experience and a greater chance of having an early impact.
David Ornstein of The Athletic had reported on Tuesday night that Leeds United had rejected an offer from Arsenal, and that the player had expressed interest in moving to Chelsea and Barcelona rather than the Gunners. Raphinha is estimated to cost roughly £65 million according to transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano.
The club also has two left-footed wingers who are strongest on the right side in Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe, so a deal for Raphinha would not have been at the top of Arsenal supporters’ minds. However, the team is set for a shake-up, which creates room for Raphinha.
As the winger wants to leave Arsenal this summer and has told his agent to search him a new club, Sports Deputy knows that Nicolas Pepe’s future at the club is in doubt. The winger, who has two years left on his contract, felt that Arteta gave him incredibly little playing time during the previous season, which probably made him want to leave the team.
Raphinha’s signing, however, appears difficult given Leeds United’s hefty asking price. By providing Leeds United with access to Gakpo as a replacement for the Brazilian, Arsenal might ease their transition into a transfer.
