Arsenal hit with mighty £55m asking price to sign Brazilian gem this summer

Arsenal have been told they must increase their offer if they are to successfully prize Brazilian star Raphinha away from Barcelona, according to reports. The attacker moved to La Liga last summer but has been far from the standout performer the Camp Nou side - or the local media - would have liked.

The winger has been a reliable performer for the Blaugrana on the whole, but he is far from an indispensable asset with the former Leeds talisman set to be sold if the right price comes along.

Since moving to Barcelona in 2022, He has been linked several times with a departure from the Catalan giants and while the Gunners look to be the frontrunners to secure his services for the 2024/25 season, they have reportedly been told they must increase their offer to around £55 million.

According to Mundo Deportivo, via SportWitness, Arsenal had been willing to offer up to €50m (£42m) to sign Raphinha with the club’s sporting director Edu Gaspar said to be behind the club’s attempt. SPORT indicated that such an offer was, in fact, already being drawn up.

However, such an amount is now said to not be enough following suggestions that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have put in a bid of €65m. This is said to be a much closer to figure Barcelona would wish to receive but it’s noted that the 27-year-old has reportedly no interest in heading to the Saudi Pro League.

Mundo Deportivo add in their report that the former Leeds star could well go for €60m (£50.7m) or even less if the Gunners wish to pile on the negotiation pressures.

It had been imagined the Camp Nou club would be willing to let Raphinha depart for the lower figure of £42 million. However, the club have since set their sights on signing two of Spain’s Euros stars Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. With Williams set to cost £49m and Olmo £42m, the cash-strapped Catalan side need to significantly raise their funds if they are to bring two of Spain’s European Champions through their gates.