Raphinha to Arsenal is in major jeopardy amid interest from Chelsea.
This week, it has been reported that Arsenal have made an offer to sign the Leeds United trickster this summer [The Athletic].
The Gunners appear to be in the market to sign a wide player between now and the summer transfer window closing.
However, Raphinha has eyes for another English outfit.
David Ornstein of The Athletic – who published the earlier report about the Brazilian – has revealed that the Leeds attacker would favour a transfer to Chelsea before Arsenal.
The South American’s overall priority is Barcelona, Ornstein added, but in terms of Premier League outfits it would appear as if the West Londoners have the edge of their city rivals.
Valued at £65 million, Raphinha going to Arsenal would be immense for the North Londoners.
Throughout his two-year spell in England, the South American has established himself as a massive handful for Premier League defences.
And no doubt Edu and Mikel Arteta would love him.
However, they absolutely must abandon their pursuit if it’s becoming unrealistic – i.e, if Chelsea are growing increasingly confident of getting him.
These are the pitfalls of finishing outside the Champions League places for Arsenal, given how Chelsea can offer him that.
Arteta’s side finished fifth on the final day of the Premier League season, behind Spurs and their West London counterparts.
And honestly, Raphinha probably isn’t the last player who’ll prefer other destinations above Arsenal because of it.
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