Tottenham have reportedly ‘ended their interest’ in Gabriel Jesus, giving Arsenal a free run on the Manchester City forward.
The Gunners are extremely interested in signing the Brazilian international as Mikel Arteta seeks a new No. 9 following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
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Speaking on Wednesday, CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Arsenal and City have “verbally” agreed on a fee and the signing is now “highly likely”.
Tottenham have also been linked with Jesus as Antonio Conte looks to bolster his options up front.
According to the Evening Standard, Spurs have now ‘ended their interest’ in the 25-year-old, meaning Arsenal have been left to finalise the signing.
However, Conte’s side will now turn their attention to Leeds United’s Raphinha and Everton’s Raphinha, with the north Londoners ‘firming up their interest’ in the Brazilian duo.
Both players will likely cost more than £50million each. Arsenal have also been linked with them, but are unlikely to move for Richarlison.
Raphinha, on the other hand, is a top target for the Gunners and they are the only team believed to have submitted an offer for the Leeds winger.
Their bid was instantly rejected for being well below Leeds’ asking price, which is believed to be as high as £65m.
Whilst Arsenal are expected to make a second bid, Spurs are reportedly readying their opening offer and have informed the Whites that it is imminent.
🚨 Raphinha is expected to reject both Arsenal and Tottenham and intends to hold out for his preferred transfer to Barcelona.
(Source: MARCA) pic.twitter.com/PWtHRETCr3
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 22, 2022
Raphinha’s first choice is believed to be Barcelona and his second choice is Chelsea – and then there are Arsenal and Spurs. The latter have the upper hand due to the draw of Champions League football.
Barca have reportedly agreed personal terms with the player but are unable to meet Leeds’ valuation due to their financial troubles.
The La Liga outfit were hoping to sign the 25-year-old for around £30m if the Yorkshire club were relegated from the Premier League last term.
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