Report: Edu ‘left hanging’ by £55m player’s agent, but Arsenal still in the mix for signing

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Journalist Ben Jacobs has told Give Me Sport that Arsenal sporting director Edu has been ‘left hanging’ by Leeds star Raphinha’s agent Deco in the last 24 hours – but Arsenal are still in the mix for the signing.

Raphinha, 25, is set to leave Leeds this summer after 67 appearances in two season – in which the Brazil star has produced 29 goal involvements. He has become a Brazil regular since moving to Leeds, boasting nine caps.

Reports this week state that Chelsea are close to completing a £55million deal to sign the ex-Rennes and Sporting Lisbon man. However, Barcelona have come back to the table after selling 10% of their TV rights.

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As every day passes, a new twist emerges regarding Raphinha. CBS Sports reporter Jacobs states that Arsenal are still in the mix. In conversation with Give Me Sport, Jacobs also says Edu has been left hanging in the last 24 hours.

“Arsenal still could come back into the mix. Edu was sort of left hanging in the last 24 hours, waiting for Deco to tell him whether Raphinha, in a straight choice between Chelsea and Arsenal, would be prepared to pick Arsenal.

“Because then Arsenal may up their offer and also have an agreement with Leeds. But to date, it looks like being Chelsea or Barcelona. Arsenal haven’t come back in and made an agreement yet with Leeds.”

Jacobs: Edu ‘left hanging’ by Deco but Arsenal still in mix for Raphinha

Chelsea, Arsenal or Barcelona? Tottenham are no longer likely to be looking at Raphinha having agreed a deal to sign Richarlison from Everton. Barcelona desperately want him, with Ousmane Dembele out of contract.

He would start for Barcelona. He wants to go to the Nou Camp, but Barcelona are struggling to afford him – albeit, the TV deal could help. Arsenal would see him rival Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, he might not start.

At Chelsea, he would probably start. Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic are struggling to show why Chelsea spent big bucks to sign him. But right now, with the TV deal, it looks like Barcelona are back on pole.