Soccer Football - Premier League - Norwich City v Leeds United - Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain - October 31, 2021 Leeds United's Raphinha celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Raphinha is open to joining Arsenal (Credits: Action Images via Reuters)

Arsenal should abandon their interest in Everton star Richarlison in favour of a move for Leeds United winger Raphinha.

That’s according to Ray Parlour, who believes the Brazilian midfielder could transform the Gunners’ attack.

Mikel Arteta is intent on transforming his attack this summer and the club have agreed a £45million deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

The Brazilian is seen as a direct replacement for Alexandre Lacazette but Arteta wants another statement arrival in attack, with the club targeting Everton star Richarlison.

Everton's Richarlison ruins with a flare as he celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League soccer match between Everton and Chelsea at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, Sunday, May 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Richarlison is keen on leaving Everton (Credits: AP)

Richarlison is keen on leaving Goodison Park after the Toffees just survived relegation to the Championship last term.

Arsenal have explored a deal for Richarlison and the forward is keen on remaining in the Premier League if he gets his wish of leaving the club.

But Parlour believes the Gunners should target Raphinha instead as Richarlison is ‘inconsitent’ and not as tactically flexible.

‘He (Raphinha) is a top player,’ Parlout told talkSPORT.

‘I think any club will be interested in Raphinha.

‘I think Richarlison is a top player, don’t get me wrong, but I think he’s a little bit inconsistent at times, you’ve got to play him in the right position.

‘But certainly Raphinha, he’s shown that he is a top player and I’m sure lots of clubs will be in for him as well’.

Fabio Vieira became Arsenal’s first significant purchase last week when he completed a £34m move from Porto to the Emirates.

Arteta is happy with his defence but feels the side require more firepower.

The Spaniard is still interested in signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester City, though Vieira’s arrival has made that deal less urgent.

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