Arsenal are reportedly in the mix to sign Leeds United talisman Raphinha, with the Brazilian seemingly set for a departure from Elland Road this summer.

What's the word?

As per The Athletic's Adam Crafton, the Gunners have been named as one of the clubs who are keen on making a move for the 25-year-old in the current window, with the respected insider revealing on Twitter that: "Arsenal & Tottenham both hold genuine interest in Leeds’ Raphinha in what may be one of the big tussles this summer. Chelsea also have interest, but they are also pursuing Ousmane Dembele, while Spurs also considering Richarlison."

In the attached article, the report reveals that the Elland Road outfit may be open to a sale this summer if their valuation is met, with the Yorkshire-based side seemingly having accepted that the former Rennes man won't sign a new deal, amid his aspirations of 'playing in European competition'.

The possible asking price has previously been suggested to be around £45m, although the potential financial package appears to be too great for another suitor, Barcelona, with the report suggesting that the La Liga side's economic woes may hamper them from completing a deal, hence offering Mikel Arteta's side the chance to pounce.

Huge coup

As explained above, the north Londoners may not be alone in their interest, although they are currently well placed to attempt to get the deal done, with such a move likely to represent a huge coup if sporting director Edu is able to pull it off.

Managing to tempt the £63k-per-week gem into a switch without the carrot that is Champions League football may prove difficult, although a move to the Emirates would still be a notable step up from scrapping for survival at the foot of the table - as Leeds were last term.

The 5 foot 9 playmaker has shown himself ready to compete for an elite side following his stunning form since his £17m switch from Ligue 1 two years ago, chipping in with 29 goal involvements in that time, including netting 11 times last term in the top-flight.

Such contributions also alerted the attention of Brazil coach Tite, with the £40.5m-rated speedster now an increasingly important player for Selecao, having scored three goals and provided two assists in just nine appearances thus far for his country.

Dubbed a "baller" by club teammate Tyler Roberts, the fleet-footed menace has lit up the Premier League so often over recent seasons, possessing the old cliche of a wand of a left foot that can cause havoc for any defence, be it from deadball scenarios or in open play.

Managing to secure such a talent would not only illustrate that the Gunners remain an attractive prospect despite missing out on a top-four spot, but also that those outside the club are beginning to see the clear signs of progress in the ongoing Arteta project.

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