Leeds will reject Arsenal’s initial offer for winger Raphinha, with a £ 60million hold, with the North London club looking to hit the market again after sealing a £ 34m deal. million pounds for Fabio Vieira.
- Arsenal made their opening bid for Leeds winger Raphinha on Tuesday night
- Talks will continue even though the offer has been declined as the Gunners want to act quickly
- North London aims to sign him and his Brazilian teammate Gabriel Jesus
- New Gunners signing Fabio Vieira shares the same agents as Raphinha
For Simon Jones for the Daily Mail and Kishan Vaghela for the Mailonline
Posted: 23:01, 21 June 2022 | Updated: 00:10, 22 June 2022
Arsenal made their initial bid for the Leeds United winger Raphinha on Tuesday night, although he is understood to be below his £ 60million price.
Leeds will reject the offer, although Arsenal will continue talks as they look to sign the Brazilian and Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
Talks are also moving forward with City, as Arsenal are looking to reward a striker who the Premier League champions value at £ 50 million.
Leeds will reject Arsenal’s initial bid for winger Raphinha, as he will endure £ 60m.
It is understood that Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring the evolution, although they know that Jesus’ preference is to connect with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
Brazilian international Raphinha, 25, is represented by the same agents as Fabio Vieira, who on Tuesday became the second signing announced by the Gunners of the summer after joining a £ 34m deal since of the Port.
After the announcement, technical director Edu hinted at more newcomers and said, “I think we still have some good, positive conversations to be fair,” he said. “I hope we can give good news to the fans.”
The North London team has now turned its attention to Raphinha, who are also interested in Barcelona, as well as London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea.
The Leeds star’s preference is a move to the Camp Nou, but the financial problems of the Catalan giants have not advanced much in the matter. Athletic also reports that the Brazilian is not the Spurs’ first choice.
Talks continue as Gunners seek to sign him and his Brazilian teammate Gabriel Jesus (above)
Raphinha has had two excellent seasons since joining Leeds from Rennes, having scored 17 Premier League goals in 65 Premier League games.
His current contract at Elland Road expires in 2024, and the Gunners now want to add him to their squad as a competition for English international Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal also want Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez after rejecting an initial £ 25million bid.
The Argentine is also interested in Manchester United, but the center-back is not a priority for the Old Trafford club, who also want to download Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe first.
Raphinha, 25, is represented by the same agents as Arsenal’s new £ 34m signing Fabio Vieira
But the Gunners will have to sell Nicolas Pepe and Lucas Torreira among others.
The Ivorian winger has not yet aroused any interest, while the Uruguayan midfielder saw his move to Fiorentina fall earlier this month.
The Italian club had the option to buy the midfielder for £ 13 million as part of his season-long loan deal at the club, but he was not activated.
And in a farewell message on social media, Torreira said: “Dear Fiorentina fans, unfortunately the time has come to say goodbye.
Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, meanwhile, remains a target for the north London club
“It is with great sadness that my bond with Fiorentina ends. A club that has given me so much love and support all this time.
‘From the beginning you made me feel at home. I discovered a wonderful city that was always kind to me, both on and off the field. Thanks to your trust, I was able to rediscover the consistency and shape I wanted.
“I owe it to my teammates and to all the fans who have given me energy game after game. I want you to know that I always gave my all on the pitch for these colors.
‘Special thanks to the club staff: chefs, managers, physiotherapists, managers and security.’
But Arsenal will have to sell Nicolas Pepe and Lucas Torreira (above) among others