Arsenal failed with a second bid for Leeds United winger Raphinha on the day that Chelsea hijacked the move and agreed a £55million deal to sign the Brazilian.
Leeds United turned down an initial bid from the Gunners last week, with the rumoured offer of around £30m falling well short of the Yorkshire club’s asking price.
But the Gunners were the first team to firm up their interest in the winger and felt that they had stolen a march on their rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s side planned on increasing their offer for Raphinha and they were in discussions with Leeds over a second official offer on Tuesday afternoon.
Arsenal felt they could talk Leeds down from their £55m asking price but the Daily Mail claim Chelsea exploited the Gunners’ negotiating tactics by hijacking the deal and paying the asking price.
It’s claimed Arsenal were ‘stunned’ by the move as they felt even rival bidders would try to negotiate a lower fee with Leeds United.
Raphinha is now set to discuss personal terms with Chelsea today and even if Arsenal were to match the Blues’ offer, he’s believed to favour a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea remain in talks with Manchester City for a move for Raheem Sterling this summer, with the England international yet to make up his mind on remaining at the Etihad.
Sterling has 12 months left to run on his deal but he wants assurances over playing time, which Pep Guardiola is unwilling to give him.
