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Arsenal Transfers: Gunners dealt Raphinha blow as Chelsea swoop

By James Cormack

TOKYO, JAPAN - JUNE 06: Raphinha of Brazil looks on during the international friendly match between Japan and Brazil at National Stadium on June 06, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - JUNE 06: Raphinha of Brazil looks on during the international friendly match between Japan and Brazil at National Stadium on June 06, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea have entered the race late for Leeds winger and Arsenal target Raphinha and are closing in on securing the Brazilian international’s services.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for the 25-year-old and have already had a bid rejected by Leeds. They were expected to make another push for the Brazilian, but Chelsea have emerged as the sudden front runners.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Tuesday evening that the Blues were closing in on a deal for Raphinha, who has excelled in the Premier League over the past two seasons after joining Leeds from Rennes in 2020.

Chelsea closing in on deal for Arsenal target Raphinha

Arsenal’s opening proposal for the Brazilian international was swiftly rebuffed by Leeds as it fell short of their lofty valuation. The Gunners, though, were readying a new offer and talks with the player’s entourage were believed to be progressing.

However, Raphinha has also attracted interest from Barcelona and, of course, Chelsea and he’s believed to be favouring a move to a team competing in the Champions League.

Fabrizio Romano writes that Leeds have accepted a bid around the £60/65m mark for their star winger. “It’s done between clubs,” he reports.

New owner Todd Boehly is now discussing personal terms with the player, which Matt Law believes won’t be an issue.

Alas, Chelsea have taken firm control of this race.

For Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, it looks like this will be their first setback in what’s been a hugely exciting start to the summer transfer window. While Raphinha was perhaps not a priority, he would’ve provided stiff competition for Bukayo Saka down the right flank and many supporters were excited by his potential arrival.

Now, alternative targets will be explored with the club needing to offer starboy Saka some much-needed respite next season. The young England international was forced to play every Premier League game last term due to Arsenal’s lack of a trustworthy cover option.

Such reliance on the youngster can’t happen again.

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