A new Premier League team has entered the race to sign coveted Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer...

What's the word?

According to the reliable Sam Dean of the Telegraph, north London giants Arsenal are keen to bolster Mikel Arteta's frontline with the signing of the Brazil international during the off-season.

"Arsenal are among the clubs who are considering a move for Leeds winger Raphinha. No formal offer at this stage but he is understood to be on the list of potential targets," he tweeted. "International team-mate of Martinelli & used to play with Gabriel at club level."

Inevitable saga brewing

This latest update will come as a gutting blow to supporters around Elland Road as their fears of losing the enigmatic dynamo were somewhat alleviated when news of Barca's situation broke but now the Gunners are hot on his heels instead.

Raphinha played a big part in Leeds' survival as his 11th goal of the season opened the scoring on the final day, where the Yorkshire giants sealed a 2-1 victory over Brentford to remain in the big time. It also confirmed his position as Jesse Marsch's top goalscorer for the campaign, too.

He also ended the season as the most creative outlet in the squad, averaging 1.9 key passes per game, some 0.7 attempts more than the next best, Rodrigo, per WhoScored.

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If you took out his goals and assists, then there's a very good chance that Leeds would be in the Championship right now and that certainly makes him a player that the Whites can ill-afford to lose.

"He’s a magician. He’s always been a great player," once claimed teammate Dan James, sentiments echoed by another Leeds star, Illan Meslier.

"Raphinha is an unbelievable player," he told the Yorkshire Evening Post. "All the time he can make skills and shoot. Sometimes Raphinha is a storm. He's amazing, unbelievable."

Despite the arrivals of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, the exit of the £40.5m-rated trickster would certainly be a big setback to Marsch's plans heading into next season, particularly if he goes to another Premier League outfit.

The transfer window hasn't been open for long, so this saga is set to rumble on over the coming weeks and months, only adding to the American's frustrations, you'd imagine.

AND in other news, Orta could sign Leeds' own Jorginho in bargain swoop for £45k-p/w "smooth operator"...