Arsenal are preparing a formal offer to sign Raphinha from Leeds United, and they believe they can do a deal if Barcelona don’t return to the race.

Matteo Moretto reports that Arsenal are pushing to sign Raphinha and they’re making progress with the player’s entourage, though they’re yet to submit a bid to Leeds United. Leeds reportedly want €55m plus €15m in bonuses.

Moretto adds that whilst Barcelona have had an agreement with the player for months, the club-to-club talks have gone cold.

Charles Watts writes for Goal that Arsenal believe they could get a deal done for Raphinha, as long as Barcelona don’t rekindle their interest.

The Times add that Arsenal are preparing to submit an official offer. They also list Tottenham Hotspur as a club with an interest in Raphinha.

The Telegraph claim Arsenal’s move for Fabio Vieira could help matters, as Vieira and Raphinha are both represented by the same agency. The Gunners are evidently on good terms with the agency right now.

The Athletic previously reported that Arsenal, Spurs, and Chelsea are all interested in a move for Raphinha this summer, if Barcelona can’t afford the deal.

It all seems to come down to whether or not Barcelona are really in the mix. They certainly seemed interested before Leeds avoided relegation and the price went up, and all the reports suggest the player would be keen if they can agree a fee.

But Barcelona are in financial difficulty and have other major targets. A deal for Raphinha may now be out of their price range. Arsenal will hope so, anyway.

Raphinha scored 11 goals and assisted three in the Premier League last season.