Video: Arteta pats £55m Arsenal target on the back at the Emirates last term, Spurs also keen

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Just days after the transfer window officially opened, Arsenal and Tottenham are already fighting to sign Raphinha from Leeds.

The Brazilian is supposedly available for £55m, although Leeds are demanding the sum to be paid in full with no instalments whatsoever.

West Ham are also said to be interested in Raphinha. Now, Arsenal fans will surely take interest in an interaction between Mikel Arteta and the Brazilian from last season.

What’s the story?

Well, during Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Leeds back in May, Arteta and Raphinha came in close contact on the Emirates Stadium touchline.

The Spaniard – as well as one of his assistants – patted the South American on the back after he was withdrawn by Jesse Marsch in the 60th minute.

Raphinha doesn’t react at all, probably because he believed Leeds were heading towards the Championship at that point of the season and was not in a particularly good mood.

If they did suffer relegation, the Brazil international would’ve been available for just £21m due to a release clause.

Now, however, if Arteta wants Raphinha in north London, he’ll have to pay £55m upfront.

In 46 appearances last season, the 25-year-old scored 11 goals, while also providing three assists.

Arsenal should leave Raphinha to Tottenham

Make no mistake about it, Raphinha is an exquisite footballer.

However, we believe Arsenal should be spending their £55m on someone more suitable, as we’re not exactly sure where the Brazilian would fit in under Arteta.

Raphinha predominately plays on the right, where he tends to cut inside on his stronger left foot, much like Bukayo Saka.

That is where the problem lies. The England international is an untouchable under Arteta, and we highly doubt the Gunners will make an expensive addition in his position.

Of course, the Spaniard could put Raphinha on the left, but what’s the point?

Arsenal would be much better off spending their money on a proper centre-forward, as they are in desperate need of one following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.