Raphinha meets up with agent Deco ahead of Arsenal’s imminent ‘enhanced transfer bid’

Raphinha has been pictured with his agent, Deco, as Arsenal prepare a second bid for the Leeds United star.

The Brazilian is the subject of mounting interest and the north London side have backed that up with an initial offer, albeit one that was rejected. They remain determined to capture the winger however and are readying an improved bid to test the Yorkshire side’s resolve.

Arsenal are looking to sit down once more with Raphinha’s representatives and the Brazilian has been snapped alongside the man helping him decide his future. Any future moves were no doubt on the agenda as the pair enjoyed some down time in Ibiza.

The player has said on his future: ”I have a contract with Leeds until 2024, my future is in the hands of Deco and Leeds, I have my mind on the national team, on the game and also on my vacation, we need a vacation. I have a contract with Leeds and this issue is resolved by my manager, when something is right, he sends [it to] me.”

Arsenal are growing confident of securing a deal for the winger, who was a shining light for Leeds last season as they fought off relegation. Chelsea and Tottenham are also keen, but they have other transfer priorities which has allowed the Gunners to steal a march.

Leeds have accepted that Raphinha is unlikely to sign a new deal, which currently runs until 2024, and as a result are prepared to let the player go. The Athletic reports that the Whites acknowledge the player’s ambition is to play in Europe and, provided their valuation is met, will allow him to leave.

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The 25-year-old has scored 17 times in his two seasons at Elland Road having joined them from Rennes following their promotion to the top flight in 2020. Leeds are set to lose their second star of the summer with Kalvin Phillips’ move to Manchester City seemingly imminent.

Arsenal meanwhile have wasted no time following their near miss last term as they go after Champions League football. Mikel Arteta’s side were usurped by Tottenham at the end of the season, but have already added young Brazilian forward Marquinhos as well as Fabio Vieira from Porto.

Gabriel Jesus is set to follow with a £45m agreement struck with the Premier League champions. Arteta knows the forward well from his time as Pep Guardiola’s No 2 and has been looking to replace the goals of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who’ve both left the club this year.