According to sources, ARSENAL is one of the teams interested in signing Raphinha from Leeds.
According to sources, Barcelona must move quickly or risk losing the race for Leeds' Raphinha. Barca are said to have reached a full personal agreement with the player's representation, but Arsenal might make a move if the La Liga giants are unable to agree on a cost with Leeds.
Raphinha's 11 goals and three assists were vital to Jesse Marsch's side avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season. But there has been constant speculation over his future since the January transfer window.
Bayern Munich were linked with a move for the Brazilian before Barca's interest became apparent. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says there has been an agreement between Barca and Raphinha's agent Deco over a five-year deal since February.
However, the Nou Camp club are yet to stump up the fee Leeds want. Romano says the Yorkshire-based club will not accept anything less than their £47.2million (€55m) asking price.
According to him, Arsenal is one of the teams re-entering the fight for Raphinha, thus Barca will have to move quickly to stay ahead of the competition. "Raphinha agreement," Romano tweeted.
"Barcelona and his agency Deco have been in full agreement on a five-year contract since February, but Leeds want €55 million and have no plans to lower their asking price." Barca must act quickly since Premier League teams, notably Arsenal, have re-entered the competition - but no proposal has yet been lodged."
So far this summer, Arsenal has only made one addition, bringing in another Brazilian winger. Marquinhos, who is 19 years old, has signed for a cost of less than £3 million.
In the following days, they will announce the signings of Fabio Vieira, a Portuguese midfielder, and Matt Turner, a goalkeeper from the United States. Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, on the other hand, has encouraged the club to sign Raphinha.
In an interview with talkSPORT, he said: "He has a lot of experience for someone who has only been in England for two years. He arrived in England and hit it off right immediately.
"He was in a relegation struggle last season, so he knows what it takes to stay in the Premier League. He'd be a terrific fit for Arsenal, in my opinion.
"It depends on how long his contract is still active. He'll cost a lot of money, of course."
Arsenal will be expecting to complete the majority of their summer business before the Premier League season begins. On August 5, Mikel Arteta's team will play Crystal Palace in the season's first encounter.