Boost for Arsenal as Leeds pursue Raphinha replacements

With Arsenal in pursuit of Leeds United winger Raphinha this summer, there are positive signs for a potential deal with reports that Leeds are targeting a number of other forwards.

The Athletic report that Leeds are pursuing Club Bruges forward Charles de Ketelaere on top of another winger.

FC Porto’s Otavio is seemingly one of the names on the list, with Pedro Sepulveda confirming a claim from O Jogo that Leeds have already had a €30m bid turned down. Porto are looking for €60m.

Then there’s Cody Gakpo, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the PSV Eindhoven winger is also on Leeds’ list.

Leeds are seemingly preparing for Raphinha’s departure, with Arsenal leading the chase to sign the 25-year-old.

Matteo Moretto and Toni Juanmarti report that Arsenal and Leeds United are in contact over a permanent deal for Raphinha. The clubs are making progress in talks, continuing to get closer to an agreement, but they don’t have one yet.

As things stand, Moretto writes that Arsenal are in pole position for the signing.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are set to intensify their efforts to sign Raphinha next week.

There are further talks scheduled with the player’s representatives, and a growing sense at Arsenal and elsewhere that the Gunners are now the favourites for a deal.