‘Key step before ‘here we go’: Romano claims ‘unbelievable’ Arsenal target closing in on move to PL rivals

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Reported Arsenal target Raphinha is closing in on a move to Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Leeds United star in recent weeks.

Indeed, Arsenal were seemingly leading the race for Raphinha at one point.

However, Chelsea appear to have swooped in and are now reportedly on the verge of signing the Brazilian.

On Tuesday evening, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that the Blues were ‘close to agreeing’ a fee.

Then, at 7:10pm, Romano took to Twitter to claim that Chelsea and Leeds had ‘reached full agreement’.

The Whites had apparently accepted a bid of ‘around £60/65million’, including add-ons.

Romano then claimed Arsenal had made a new verbal bid for Raphinha, but Leeds turned it down.

Likewise, Barcelona got into contact with the Elland Road club, but they had “no chance” to match Chelsea’s bid.

Romano added that Chelsea are now going into talks with Raphinha and agent Deco on personal terms.

He described it as ‘a key step before ‘here we go’.’

Looks like it’ll be a mixed day for Arsenal fans on the transfer front.

The Gunners look set to sign Gabriel Jesus, but the “unbelievable” Raphinha seems to be slipping from their grasp.

Nonetheless, there’s still plenty of time in the transfer window for Arsenal to go back to the drawing board and look for other wing targets.