Arsenal have decided to withdraw from the race to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to Spanish news outlet, Sport.
The report claims that the Gunners have decided to put the brakes on their interest in Raphinha after agreeing on a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
Jesus is on the merge of a move to the Emirates, having agreed a five-year deal with the side that finished fifth in the Premier League last season (Guardian).
Sport’s version of the story is a contrast to what The Athletic reported yesterday, having suggested that Mikel Arteta’s side were set to increase their efforts to land the Brazilian, with talks involving the 25-year-old’s representatives scheduled for next week.
Raphinha is said to be high up on Tottenham’s summer shopping list, having firmed up their interest after deciding against a move for Jesus (Evening Standard).
SpursWeb Opinion
Having passed up the chance to pursue a move for Christian Eriksen, Tottenham desperately need to add more goals from midfield to their side for next season with Raphinha certainly fitting the bill having scored eleven times in the top flight last season.
If Arsenal do push forward and add Raphinha to their ranks, alongside Saka and Jesus they are starting to show they are serious about a top four finish next season.
Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici will no doubt be working hard behind the scenes to ensure Antonio Conte has the players he wants ahead of the start of pre-season, let’s hope they do not let him down.
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