Arsenal schedule meeting with Chelsea target with transfer race still open

Chelsea still in talks for Raphinha as Arsenal schedule Leeds United meeting

Arsenal have scheduled a meeting with Leeds United to talk about Chelsea target Raphinha as the Whites look for £65million for their Brazilian star, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The side from West Yorkshire have been firm in their demands for the player as other top clubs in Europe seek the 25-year-old’s signature. The Brazilian is not short of options should he seek a move this summer.

Barcelona have already agreed on personal terms with the player, but the Blues and Tottenham Hotspur are also in contact with his agent and the race for the winger’s signing is still open. There is still some way to go before any team reaches a full agreement.

Raphinha a difference-maker

Raphinha has established himself in the Premier League in his two seasons at Elland Road. The Brazilian has stepped up when his side needed him the most and delivered for Leeds at their lowest.

While the Whites enjoyed a comfortable return to the league in the 2020/21 season, troubling the opposition with their relentless pressing and high-intensity football, the 2021/22 season was difficult for the West Yorkshire side. Battling the threat of relegation throughout last season, the 25-year-old was the only player that stood at the Elland Road club.

Chelsea’s interest in the player is understandable considering the lack of impact our forwards had last season. The Blues’ wingers have been especially disappointing as they haven’t been able to create and score many opportunities. As a result, the Stamford Bridge club had to rely on the full-backs to provide some spark in the final third.

The Brazilian could be the answer to some of our attacking problems if he signs for the club. His 11 goals for a struggling Leeds side in the league is a promising indicator.

If the Blues do end up signing Raphinha, the player will have to compete with the likes of Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech.

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None of our forwards had a great season the previous time around. With this in mind, if we do end up signing the 25-year-old, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Tuchel pick the Brazilian over the other players at the German manager’s disposal.