Arsenal are currently out of the race to sign Raphinha, with Barcelona closing in on a transfer for the Leeds United winger.

Leeds United's Brazilian midfielder Raphinha Dias Belloli celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Leeds United at Brentford Community Stadium in London on May 22, 2022. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Leeds United’s Brazilian midfielder Raphinha Dias Belloli celebrates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League football match between Brentford and Leeds United at Brentford Community Stadium in London on May 22, 2022. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Goal Brazil report that Arsenal are currently out of contention for Raphinha, with no talks between the Gunners and Raphinha’s camp since Leeds accepted Chelsea’s bid for the player.

Arsenal aren’t completely ruling out reentering the race, especially with all the uncertainty in negotiations at the moment. But for now, it seems it would take a breakdown in talks with Chelsea and Barcelona for another move to be at all likely.

As it stands, Barcelona look set to land their man, with Gerard Romero reporting that they’re close to a deal with Leeds for about €60m.

Barcelona and Raphinha have already agreed a salary of €6m net per season, with personal terms reportedly finalised months ago.

Raphinha has also turned down a proposal from Newcastle United in recent days, according to Romero.

That offer seemed particularly pointless, considering the alternatives on the table for the player, but Newcastle have money to throw around.

LEEDS, ENGLAND: Raphinha of Leeds United applauds fans after their side's defeat during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on January 22, 2022. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND: Raphinha of Leeds United applauds fans after their side’s defeat during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on January 22, 2022. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano recently claimed Barcelona were yet to find an agreement for Raphinha. He said Barcelona’s most recent verbal proposal on Wednesday still didn’t meet Leeds’ demands.

For now, Leeds are insisting they have a deal with Chelsea, and it’s just up to Raphinha to accept the terms on offer with the Blues.

But if the chance to join Barcelona is still on the table, you’d expect Raphinha to stall until it’s no longer a possibility.