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According to reports, Chelsea are close to clinching a deal to sign Arsenal target Raphinha from Leeds United for a fee of around £55m.
THE LOWDOWN: ARSENAL BID REJECTED
The Brazilian has been the subject of much interest in recent weeks after enjoying two spectacular seasons in the English top flight, most crucially from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
According to a report from The Athletic, the Gunners made an offer for the Brazilian but it fell well short of Leeds’ valuation.
The north London outfit were expected to return to the table with an improved offer for the former Stade Rennes wizard, and had scheduled talks with Leeds to discuss the fee.
Now Arsenal’s move seems in real jeopardy.
THE LATEST: CHELSEA ON THE BRINK
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are on the brink of clinching a £55million deal to sign Raphinha from Leeds, landing a real blow to rivals Arsenal in the race.
The Blues have reportedly settled on a fee plus add-ons, with Leeds and must just now agree personal terms with the player, which is not expected to be an issue.
THE VERDICT: HUGE BLOW
This news comes as a huge blow to Mikel Arteta and the Gunners.
With the Spaniard hoping to significantly improve his attack for next season, the fact that Chelsea have stolen a march on their top target will certainly anger the Gunners faithful, considering the remarkable quality and unique abilities the nine-time Brazilian international possesses in abundance.
Also, Chelsea – Arsenal’s fierce rivals – winning the race for the £40.5m-rated magician comes as a double blow to everyone involved with the Gunners.
However, it is crucially important the north London outfit move on quickly to alternative targets and not become too disheartened by this damaging development.
There is still a lot of time in this summer window to go, and the fact that Arsenal were strongly linked with such an incredibly gifted performer means the Gunners do mean business as they look to close the gap on their top rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur next season.
Signing the 25-year-old could well have taken the club to the European promised land soon enough. Arsenal’s loss is Chelsea’s incredibly significant gain.
AND in other news, Arsenal put move for £36m-rated hitman on hold, Gabriel Jesus the priority…
