According to sources, Arsenal and Tottenham are set to go head-to-head once more for Leeds United midfielder Raphinha, while Chelsea have withdraw from the trade squabble.
The Brazilian winger has been in talks with Barcelona about a move to Camp Nou, but the Spanish giants are still struggling with significant financial challenges and have yet to conclude a deal.
According to The Athletic, there are doubts that Barcelona will be unable to fund the transfer, which has opened the door to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is looking to add a new winger to his squad this summer, although Raphinha prefers to play on the right wing, which Bukayo Saka currently does.
Similarly, Tottenham signed Dejan Kulusevski on loan from Juventus in January and are set to make the deal permanent, with the Swede impressing greatly since his move to the Premier League.
Antonio Conte is looking to add a frontline attacker and has been linked with Everton’s Richarlison, who is more capable of playing through the middle than Raphinha.
Spurs will not sign both players, and Raphinha is thought to be Richarlison’s backup choice if Everton refuses to pay a fee for the former Watford star.
Meanwhile, Arsenal has long been interested in Raphinha, though he is not thought to be a priority signing, with the Gunners in need of a new central striker and a a midfielder.
Leeds are said to be sympathetic to Raphinha’s desire to play at a higher level, notably in the Champions League, which Tottenham can provide, but they will still require that their valuation be reached.
Raphinha is projected to cost roughly £47 million, which is somewhat more than the fee Leeds paid Rennes two years ago, and the Brazilian has indicated that he would not sign a new contract with the club.
Chelsea were also interested in Raphinha but are unlikely to compete with Spurs and Arsenal for his signature, with the west Londoners instead working on a deal to sign Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract at the end of the month and available on a free transfer.
Arsenal have made no major signings this summer, whilst Tottenham have completed a deal for Ivan Perisic, agreed a fee for Yves Bissouma, and are in pole position to acquire right-back Djed Spence.