Leeds will reject Arsenal’s opening offer for winger Raphinha as they hold out for £60m valuation

Arsenal have tonight made their opening bid for Leeds United winger Raphinha though it is understood to be below his £60million price tag.

Leeds will reject the offer though Arsenal will continue discussions as they look to sign the Brazilian and Manchester City‘s Gabriel Jesus.

Talks are progressing with City too as Arsenal look to prise away a striker the Premier League champions value at £50m.

Tottenham and Paris St Germain are understood to be monitoring developments though they are aware Jesus’s preference is to link up with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

Brazil international Raphinha, 25, is represented by the same agents as Fabio Vieira, who on Tuesday became the Gunners’ second announced signing of the summer after joining in a £34m deal from Porto.

After it was announced, technical director Edu hinted at more new arrivals, saying: ‘I think we still have some good, positive conversations to be fair,’ he said. ‘I hope we can give to the fans some good news.’

Talks will continue as the Gunners look to sign him and Brazil team-mate Gabriel Jesus (above)

The north London side have now turned their attentions to Raphinha, who is also interesting Barcelona, as well as London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea.

The Leeds star’s reported preference is a move to the Camp Nou but the Catalan giants’ financial issues has seen little progress on the matter. The Athletic also report the Brazilian is not Spurs’ first-choice option.

Raphinha has had two excellent seasons since joining Leeds from Rennes, having netted 17 Premier League goals in 65 top-flight matches.

His current contract at Elland Road is set to run…