Arsenal's technical director, Edu has revealed the reason the Gunners didn't sign Brazil's forward Raphinha.
If you recall that Raphinha was linked to join Arsenal while he was playing for Leeds United in the Premier League until Barcelona snap up the forward.
Although many have suggested that his agent, Deco who was former player of Barcelona played a key role in his move to Camp Nou.
Reportminds Blog understands that Barcelona and Leeds ultimately settled on a €58 million at the start of the season.
Early in the summer transfer window, Arsenal made a move to acquire Brazilian winger Raphinha from Leeds United.
After what seemed to be a protracted saga involving the Gunners, Barcelona, and Chelsea, Raphinha eventually joined Barcelona instead.
However, Deco made it clear during their conversation with Edu that he wanted to sign with Barcelona, so Arsenal decided to take a back seat and let things work themselves out.
“People think we went in too deep about Raphinha, because Raphinha was everywhere,” Edu said.
“It’s fair we had a conversation with Deco because Deco is his agent and I have a good relationship, we are friends. I just said to Deco, ‘can you explain the situation to me for Raphinha?’
Barcelona and Leeds ultimately settled on a €58 million (£49 million) fixed fee with €9 million in possible add-ons.
For weeks, Chelsea and Leeds had a deal in place, but Raphinha refused to move unless he could go to Barcelona.
Arsenal withdrew much earlier, and it is now obvious why.
“And he was clear, he said ‘Edu, we have a good relationship, I’m not going to lie to you, his idea is to go to Barcelona because his dream is to go to Barcelona, and we [have been talking] to Barcelona since [a] long time ago.’
“Okay, thank you very much (Edu responded). If something happens, just let me know, because I can explore and understand the situation, if not, no problem and we carry on with our relationship.”
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