Arsenal may hold a huge advantage over their transfer rivals in signing Leeds United winger Raphinha, due to defender Gabriel. The centre-back has previously claimed he is a “good friend” with his compatriot.
The winger is reportedly a transfer target for Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona too, though the Gunners are reportedly the only side to have made an official bid. It comes as Mikel Arteta prepares to continue a busy summer period.
Promising duo Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira have already been confirmed as new signings, though there are set to be more players coming through the door. A number of other high-profile options have been linked with a switch.
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Gabriel Jesus is supposedly close to joining the club, with the centre-forward role labelled a problem position that had to be addressed during the break. Adding goals to the side there may be key, but finding them elsewhere could be too, hence links with a move for Raphinha.
The Leeds forward scored 11 and assisted three in the previous campaign, despite the struggles his side faced. The 25-year-old has brought about interest with his performances, though the Gunners may have appeared to be at a disadvantage after missing out on Champions League football.
That may not be the case though, as reports have stated they are leading the race and may hold a secret advantage over their rivals. That advantage may be in the form of Gabriel, who has already discussed his friendship with their transfer target.
He said earlier in the year, via the Mirror: “We had a Whatsapp group that we were always in contact since our Avai days [where they played as youngsters]. We shared the same accommodation. We're very good friends."
Those relationships may prove key to the transfer getting over the line, strengthening the Gunners further heading into the next campaign.
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