Arsenal transfer news: Gunners step up chase for Raphinha and close in on Gabriel Jesus
- Seb Sternik
- 25 June 2022
After agreeing a deal in principle for Man City forward Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal are now turning their attention to Leeds United’s Raphinha as they look to further bolster their attacking options.
Following last season's departures of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal were left with two sizable voids in the attacking department.
One of the holes is likely to be filled by Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, whose deal is almost over the line after the Gunners reached an agreement in principle with the Premier League champions.
The transfer is yet to be finalised, with a medical and personal terms still to be agreed. Nevertheless, the fee for Jesus is understood to be in the region of £45million.
During his six-year spell at the Etihad stadium, the Brazil international scored 95 goals in 236 appearances across all competitions.
However, the player has just come off his worst goalscoring season in five years, and was set for reduced playing time in Manchester with Pep Guardiola securing the signatures of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
Gunners target Raphinha
Leeds United rejected Arsenal's opening bid for Brazil international Raphinha, however the London outfit are expected to have another shot at the forward.
The 25-year-old still has two years left on his contract at Elland Road, meaning Leeds are not under immediate pressure to sell the player.
Raphinha arrived in West Yorkshire from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in 2020 and has since produced 17 goals and 12 assists from 67 appearances.
Arsenal aren't the only side interested in the Brazilian, and face stiff competition from the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham.
