Transfer: Arsenal pick Barcelona star after Chelsea hijacked deal for Mykhailo Mudryk

Arsenal has shifted their attention to Barcelona and has opened talks with the agent of winger Raphinha after Chelsea hijacked their deal for Mykhailo Mudryk.

Arsenal was on the verge of signing Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth around £80m.

Following Gabriel Jesus’s injury layoff, Arsenal was desperate to add fresh legs to their attacking line and saw Mudryk as a good option.

However, their big-spending London rivals Chelsea waited until the deal was almost settled before hijacking it.

The Blues have agreed to a stunning £97m deal with Shakhtar Donetsk for the 22-year-old.

The Ukraine international has reportedly signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge and has flown to London for his medical on Sunday.

With this being the case, Mikel Arteta’s side has turned their attention to Barcelona, with former Leeds United attacker Raphinha in mind.

The Evening Standard claimed that the Gunners chief Edu is in contact with Raphinha’s agent and former Chelsea midfielder Deco.

Raphinha moved to Nou Camp just six months ago but the Catalan giants are said to be open to offers for the 26-year-old.

Arsenal and Chelsea pushed to sign Raphinha from Leeds last summer but the Brazilian shunned the Premier League giants and settled for Barcelona in a deal of around £55 million.

He has endured an underwhelming start to life in Spain, scoring two goals in 21 appearances for the Catalans.