Raphinha: Details Emerge on Arsenal’s Failed Bid as Chelsea Lands Leeds Star

• Arsenal tried to hijack Chelsea’s move for Raphinha at the last minute, but failed
• The Gunners were favorites to sign the Leeds star last week, but had their bids rejected
• As of Tuesday, the Brazilian is set to join Chelsea for a reported £60/65m

Fresh details have emerged on how Arsenal made last-ditch attempts to hijack talented midfielder Raphinha’s move to Chelsea.

In recent weeks the Brazilian has been at the centre of a three-club tug of war, as Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona were all keen on securing his services.

He previously looked like he would eventually join Barcelona, but Arsenal then emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.

However, in yet another interesting twist, football insider Fabrizio Romano on Tuesday, June 28 confirmed the Brazilian had in fact, agreed a deal to join Chelsea instead.

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New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is understood to have been highly influential in the transfer, as he played a crucial part in negotiations, having taken over from director Marina Granovskaia, who is leaving the club.

Last week, Arsenal saw their bid for the midfielder rejected, and Chelsea took full advantage of the situation.

According to Daily Star, despite Raphinha slipping away from them, Arsenal still spent a large part of Tuseday quietly trying to hijack Chelsea’s deal to no avail.

The Gunners’ talks with Raphinha’s agent, former Chelsea midfielder Deco, however did not materialize, and Chelsea are now set to win the race for the star, who contributed 17 goals and 11 assists in 66 matches for Leeds.

Arsenal’s spending spree

Mikel Arteta’s side are showing intent in this summer’s transfer window, as they are keen on securing some big names to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.

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The North London side have already signed Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos, and talented Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus underwent a medical to join the club on Tuesday.

Man United's stance on McTominay

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported of Manchester United’s stance on Scot McTominay.

The Red Devils are reportedly set to shun all bids for the midfielder, who is considered part of new manager Erik Ten Hag’s plans.