Brazil and Leeds United winger Raphinha is in high demand as Arsenal have prioritised his signature after securing the services of playmaker Fabio Vieira from Porto FC and young winger Marquinhos from Sao Paulo.
The Gunners are also believed to have completed the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City for a fee of about 45 million euros as Mikel Arteta’s side sees a massive influx of players this summer window. However, other top clubs are also interested in Raphinha, with Catalan giants Barcelona as well as Chelsea and Tottenham eyeing the player.
The Blaugrana, however, looks like an unlikely destination for Raphinha at the moment. The Spanish heavyweights are in the middle of a tough financial situation while also actively working on a deal to sign Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munchen. Ousmane Dembele could also stay even as it seemed that the Frenchman was headed out of the door.
However, Raphinha is currently on holiday in the Spanish island of Ibiza, along with his agent and former Barcelona midfielder Deco, after a hectic international season, following the Premier League, where Leeds barely survived the drop.
Nevertheless, the visit is said to be purely recreational, and Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for the Brazilian, with the fee being in the region of 70 million. Arsenal are confident of completing the deal, but there is no ruling out any potential discussions with Barcelona, given Deco’s cordial relations with the club.
Barcelona are also fairly certain of themselves to secure Lewandowski’s signature after a long back and forth negotiation with German champions Bayern. They are also reportedly in prolonged negotiations with Manchester United over Frenkie de Jong, with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva being manager Xavi Hernandez’ choice to replace the Dutchman.
However, City have set a 100 million Euro price tag on the versatile Portuguese man, and that will be difficult for Barcelona to meet without the sale of Frenkie de Jong. The next few weeks will decide the future of many players, including Raphinha, who is expected to make his choice clear shortly.
