Arsenal 'very close' to Raphinha transfer and winger hopes deal will be done this week
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Arsenal are 'very close' to completing a deal for Leeds United winger Raphinha as Barcelona's financial limitations continue to stall their summer pursuit. The Gunners could be set to beat competition from Barcelona and Tottenham to bolster Mikel Arteta's attack.
According to Goal Spain , Raphinha won't wait for the La Liga giants and is ready to complete a switch to Arsenal as early as this week. Leeds are understood to have asked for £43million (€50m) for his services this summer, and Arsenal are willing to meet those demands.
Barcelona eye Raphinha as Ousmane Dembele's replacement ahead of his free transfer away from Camp Nou. And former player Deco acting as the 25-year-old's agent was expected to play in their favour. However, Barca's financial limitations currently make a move unfeasible, and Arsenal have offered a higher salary to confirm their intent.
The report claims Leeds sources have said Barcelona 'disappeared' from the Raphinha picture after he made it clear he wasn't keen to wait for his future to be resolved. Salary reductions or player sales are unlikely to change the situation, and 'if nothing changes', Raphinha will be an Arsenal player next season.
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