Arsenal are chasing Leeds winger Raphinha, with the Whites having slapped an asking price on the Brazilian's head
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Arsenal have been told that they will have to pay £45 million to prise Raphinha away from Leeds United.
That's according to renowned transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who says that the Elland Road talisman is valued extremely highly and won't be allowed to leave for any less. Arsenal are looking for depth in attacking areas and would love to have another quality option to use on both wings.
But the Gunners aren't the only names in the hunt for the Brazilian – and could be drawn into a bidding war.
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Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea are all circling Raphinha, since they are looking to reinforce in the same area of the pitch as Mikel Arteta. Barcelona may struggle to raise the capital, however, while United are looking at fellow Selecao star Antony of Ajax.
According to rumours, Arsenal will cash in on £72m record signing Nicolas Pepe this summer, who they bought from Lille in 2019, during Unai Emery's tenure as manager. Emery has since gone on record as saying he wanted Wilfried Zaha instead, with Pepe underwhelming in a red and white shirt.
The Ivorian has had flashes of brilliance while in north London but too often has failed to make a consistent impact, losing his place in Arteta's side to Bukayo Saka.
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Not only would Raphinha challenge the 20-year-old for a starting berth and provide a much-needed rotation option during a congested campaign but the Leeds winger is also capable of operating on either flank.
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Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
