Speaking on Sky Sports, Melissa Reddy has been discussing Arsenal’s interest in Raphinha after the Gunners reportedly made a bid for the Brazilian winger.
As we all know, Arsenal are keen to sign the Leeds United man this summer, and, according to Reddy, the north London absolutely love the attacker.
Unfortunately, Chelsea and Tottenham are also keen, but, the Gunners may have the upper hand due to one factor – Edu.
Indeed, the Gunners’ Sporting Director knows Raphinha’s agent Deco very well, and according to the journalist, they have a good relationship.
What’s been said?
Reddy spoke about Raphinha.
“Arsenal love Raphinha, Edu has a very good relationship with his agent, Deco, so they want to get this done. Chelsea also like him, Tottenham have looked at him, so Arsenal can’t really haggle if they want this to happen.”
Who you know
As with many industries, sometimes in football it’s about who you know rather than what you know.
Deco and Edu go way back. They were born just miles apart in Sao Paulo in the same year and they even spent time in the Corinthians academy together.
As two of their generation’s best players, they will have been aware of one another from a young age growing up in Sao Paulo, and that long-term relationship may well help Arsenal get this deal over the line.
Indeed, agents can sway their clients massively when deciding on their next clubs, and while Raphinha may have more alluring offers from elsewhere, Deco and Edu’s relationship may see him join Arsenal.
Don’t be surprised if the Brazilian ends up at the Emirates this summer.
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