Spanish news outlet Sport are quite surprisingly claiming that Arsenal have cooled off their interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The Gunners have secured the signing of Gabriel Jesus and everyone was sure they will now pull up their socks to challenge Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea for the Leeds man.
The Elland Road club have narrowly escaped relegation but they will need funds to rebuild their squad which is why their manager has no other option but to sell some players. Kalvin Phillips has already left for Man City and Raphinha is also packing his bags.
However, Sport are suggesting that Arsenal are looking to back off from signing the Brazilian international and this is great news for teams like Spurs, Chelsea and also Barcelona.
Are Arsenal really no longer interested in signing Raphinha?
Sport’s report will definitely bring a lot of joy to all the Spurs and Chelsea fans but it is in direct contrast with what The Athletic are claiming. The Athletic have asserted that the Gunners are going to intensify their interest in Raphinha in the coming days.
Now, Fabrizio Romano has also seconded with The Athletic stating that Arsenal are scheduled to hold meetings with Leeds this week as Barcelona, Chelsea and Spurs still remain interested.
He wrote on Twitter: “Raphinha deal. Arsenal have already scheduled a meeting with Leeds next week – Leeds will ask again for £65m fee.
“Barcelona still in contact with Deco after personal terms agreed, but no fresh bid yet. Tottenham and Chelsea, still in talks with agents. Race still open.”
Raphinha deal. Arsenal have already scheduled a meeting with Leeds next week – Leeds will ask again for £65m fee. 🇧🇷 #AFC
Barcelona still in contact with Deco after personal terms agreed, but no fresh bid yet.
Tottenham and Chelsea, still in talks with agents. Race still open. pic.twitter.com/jyf5ct3R73
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2022
Sport have basically come up with a dud because Arsenal need to sign another forward after Gabriel Jesus, at any cost.
However, Leeds United are not willing to lower their demands and this could be the one stumbling block for Arsenal. Both Spurs and Chelsea have bigger transfer budgets so they can very easily price out their London rivals.
Also, both the suitors are in the Champions League while the Gunners will be playing in the Europa League next season so that will also be an issue for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal are still very much interested in signing Raphinha but Spurs and Chelsea are not going to make it easy for them to get their hands on the Brazilian winger.
