ARSENAL are considering a move to bring Leeds United winger Raphinha to The Emirates, according to reports.
The 25-year-old winger was one of Leeds shining lights in an otherwise disappointing season as they narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League.
The Gunners are hoping to add more firepower to their attack next season, with their top goalscorer Bukayo Saka netting just 12 times overall.
Stand-in captain Alexandre Lacazette left the club on a free transfer to re-join Olympique Lyonnias, whom he left to join Arsenal back in 2017.
They also lost former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer to Barcelona after he was frozen out of the squad by Mikel Arteta.
Raphinha matched the league record of Saka with 11 goals, but in a far inferior team which was also beset by catastrophic injuries in the first half of the season.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
The Brazilian is versatile enough to operate on either flank and can even be deployed a pseudo-striker if it was necessary, but he is far less effective there.
In addition, Arsenal are already expected to sign a centre forward following Lacazette’s departure, with names such as Gabriel Jesus and Gianluca Scamacca being thrown around.
But The Telegraph are reporting that despite interest from Barcelona and West Ham, Arsenal could be the most likely source of a transfer.
The report indicates the North London side are also expected to see the departure of Nicolas Pepe, who has failed to live up to expectations since joining from Ligue 1 side Lille in 2019.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Raphinha joined Leeds in 2020 from Rennes for £17million.
He has scored 17 and created 12 goals in 67 appearances, also making his Brazil debut since joining The Whites.
