Raphinha is very close to signing for Arsenal, and he could be set to join this week, according to a report.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are in direct negotiations with Leeds United for Raphinha, having been interested in the signing since March.

Romano adds that both Chelsea and Tottenham have “been in contact too”, but he makes it sound like Arsenal’s attempt at the signing is the most involved.

Barcelona are in an interesting position, as they already have an agreement with Raphinha on personal terms, but not on a fee. It’s unlikely they’ll find the funds for the €65-75m fee Leeds will want.

On the surface, this looks problematic for all involved.

Barcelona probably can’t afford the deal, Raphinha could hold out in hope anyway, Arsenal may struggle to convince him to forget Barca, and Leeds United would thus watch this saga hang over them all summer.

But Goal offer a more positive report of the situation for Arsenal fans. They write that Raphinha is close to finalising a transfer to Arsenal, as he doesn’t want to wait much longer.

Barcelona have reportedly disappeared from the race, according to Leeds sources. Raphinha is instead set to join Arsenal as soon as this week.

Even better, Goal report an asking price of closer to €50m, a fairly significant discount on Romano’s report.

The Athletic previously reported that Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea are all interested in a move for Raphinha this summer, if Barcelona can’t afford the deal. So we may not have seen the final twist in this story just yet.

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