Player ‘about to close’ his transfer to Arsenal – Deal to go through ‘this week’ if ‘nothing changes’

Earlier today, we covered claims made in Spain that Arsenal are the ‘most determined’ side when it comes to signing Raphinha, while the Leeds United star continues to wait for Barcelona.

The La Liga side’s idea is to sign the Whites winger if Ousmane Dembélé leaves the Camp Nou as a free agent.

Barca had earlier hoped to take Jesse Marsch’s man on a cut price deal if Leeds dropped to the second division. That didn’t happen and the Premier League side are demanding €50m+ for the Brazil international.

Although the Blaugrana have a great supporter in the form of Deco, the 25-year-old’s agent, they are not in a position to meet the fee requested by Leeds.

That’s according to Goal Espana, who explain that Leeds remaining in the top flight has seen Barca put the brakes on communication with the Elland Road club. With Xavi Hernández’s side disappearing from the scene, Arsenal had gone to work and have ended up leading the race to secure the player’s services.

Since there was no offer from Barca, both the South American and his representative have decided to look for another option. This is where Arsenal fit in.

Goal Espana state the attacker is hoping to close his move to the Emirates this week. Raphinha, who has received better offers from elsewhere, is ‘about to close’ his signing with the Gunners.

With Barca disappearing and Mikel Arteta’s side in the lead for Raphinha, Goal Espana state the Leeds man will be a new Arsenal player ‘this week’, if ‘nothing changes’.