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According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Arsenal have suffered a “big blow” in their pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha as the Brazilian closes in on a move to Chelsea.
THE LOWDOWN: GREAT WINDOW SO FAR
The Gunners have already got their transfer window off to a flying start, securing a move for Fabio Vieira from FC Porto for £34m and are set to formally announce the capture of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, as Mikel Arteta seeks to address his lack of firepower up front.
His attacking restructuring doesn’t stop there though with the Spanish coach looking for more quality additions, with which he holds a strong interest in Leeds’ flying winger Raphinha. However, a bid for the Brazilian was rejected out of hand by the Whites.
With the Gunners looking to return with another offer for the former Stade Rennes, it seems as though fierce neighbors Chelsea have stolen a march on his signature, agreeing a £60m deal with the Yorkshire giants to grab him from under the noses of Arsenal.
And Jones believes the failure to capture the Brazilian wizard may prove costly, and a move to their rivals Chelsea will certainly hurt the Gunners faithful.
THE LATEST: BIG BLOW
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:
“Arsenal will hate the fact Chelsea are moving so fast in the market as this window could have been a chance to close the gap on them in a period of transition.
“But if they miss Raphinha and he lands at Chelsea, it’s a big blow they need to react to.”
THE VERDICT: BIG BLOW INDEED
It seems as though the Gunners were masters of their own downfall in the pursuit of the nine-time Brazilian international, dubbed a “magician” by his Leeds teammate Dan James.
With the 25-year-old dreaming of playing in the Champions League, it could well have been the north London outfit he’s featuring in the competition for had Arteta’s men not blown their huge opportunity to reach the prestigious competition in the closing weeks of the season.
The club finished five points behind Chelsea who did finish in a Champions League place, so it’s only right the Brazilian chooses to represent Thomas Tuchel’s men next season.
Raphinha is a stunning player as shown by his 11 goals and three assists in the Premier League last term, and one Arteta will have dreamed of possessing, but even if the Gunners remain in the frame for his signature with a last-minute bid, it is highly unlikely the Porto Alegre-born star would want to be playing in the Europa League. He’s simply too good for that competition.
AND in other news, What will Arsenal’s new 14-assist Bernardo Silva-like maestro bring to the Emirates next season?
