Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has admitted that Arsenal losing Raphinha to Chelsea in a last-minute transfer hijack will be a big blow to Arsenal and insisted that his acquisition would have improved Arsenal.
Arsenal and Arteta have seen their two bid rejected by Leeds United. The Gunner had already been busy in the transfer window signing Gabriel Jesus for €40 million from Manchester City, Fabio Viera for €35 million from Porto, Matt Turner for $8 million from New England Revolution, and Marquinhos from Sao Paulo.
The Gunner wanted to add the Brazilian international to their young attacking squad
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Raphinha joined Leeds United in 2020 for €20 million. The Brazilian international has been sensational since joining Leeds United in the Premier. He was very instrumental in Leeds United surviving in the Premier last season.
The 25-year-old Brazilian international scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in 66 appearances for Leeds United.
Chelsea has agreed on €55 million transfer fees with Leeds United for Raphinha and Chelsea and Raphinha are now negotiating on personal terms.
The Brazilian, if announced by Chelsea, will be the first signing under new owner Todd Boehly.
What did Paul Parlour say?
The former Arsenal and Arsenal midfielder said via talkSPORTS: “That’s a bit of a blow, he’s been a brilliant player for Leeds. You know every single Leeds fan will look at it and think we’re desperate to keep him but he’s moved on.
“That was another player who would have really strengthened the squad because we know they have to play Europa League next year so they’ll have a lot more games than last season so you need that big squad.
“They are not too bad in the wide areas with Smith-Rowe, Martinelli, Saka but again if they could’ve got he would’ve been a fantastic signing from Arenal’s point of view.”
Paul Parlour also believes Youri Tielemans will be an ideal signing for Arsenal.
Arsenal is still in the transfer window trying to sign a midfielder. last season an injury to Thomas Partey saw Arsenal struggle in the Premier.
Arteta wants to sign a midfielder this season and the Belgian international has emerged as a potential transfer target for Arsenal. Youri Tielemans is expected to cost Arsenal €20 million.
Paul Parlour continued: “I’m looking down the spine of the team and I think that’s where they are trying to strengthen. Tielemans is a really good ball player; they’ve got Partey who had his injury problems last season and missed quite a bulk of the games.
“You got Lokonga who will get better but I think that’s the area. Xhaka is that bit older. That’s the area they really need to look at.
“When you get the ball back you need that quality to get through the lines to Odegaard and Smith Rowe and Martinelli. Tielemans could be ideal.”
