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Fabrizio Romano has taken to Twitter to suggest that Deco will meet with Chelsea tomorrow for further talks over Raphinha, but Arsenal will not give up on the Leeds United winger until a deal is done.
It has been a fascinating week monitoring developments concerning Raphinha. Little more than 24 hours ago, it seemed that Arsenal were the side most likely to sign the winger.
They have previously bid for the Brazilian. However, it seems that Chelsea are now firmly in pole position to sign Raphinha. A fee of £60 million has been agreed with Leeds.
But the Blues still need to agree personal terms with the 25-year-old. Reports on Wednesday claimed that he was set to be offered a five-year deal worth £115,000-a-week.
The news is a huge setback for Arsenal. But perhaps Mikel Arteta’s men are not yet ready to throw in the towel in the race to sign Raphinha.
Romano has reported that Deco will meet with Chelsea tomorrow to discuss his client’s future. But the Gunners have no intention of walking away from the race just yet.
Here is what Romano posted…
Chelsea are waiting for Raphinha’s answer. Been told Deco has direct talk with Chelsea scheduled tomorrow 🚨
Talks still on, after agreement with Leeds [£60m].
Barcelona and Arsenal will try until the end.
Reminder: Barça agreed personal terms with Deco 4 months ago.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
Arsenal will not give up on Raphinha
It would be quite something if Arsenal could now sign Raphinha. Clearly, it appears more than likely that he will end up at Chelsea.
If Barcelona can get their act together, a spanner could be thrown into the works. But it would be hard for Arsenal to stand out in the race.
They do not have Champions League football to offer. And, in truth, there are no guarantees that he would start regularly as his best position is one shared with Bukayo Saka.
Raphinha is an ‘‘ player who looks set to net Leeds around £60 million. So it would be a massive statement if Arsenal could yet spring a surprise.