Leeds United keen to encourage bidding war for Raphinha this summer
Leeds United are keen to have a bidding war open up for star winger Raphinha who is expected to leave in the summer transfer window, according to the Express.
The Brazil international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Elland Road in the summer, with Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Barcelona in the race.
Reports on Monday (June 20) suggested that the Gunners are close to agreeing a deal for Raphinha and that it could even be finalised this week [Goal Brazil].
Writing in his latest column on Tuesday morning [21 June], Ryan Taylor shared the latest regarding the Brazilian and a potential exit from Elland Road.
“Arsenal are prioritising the signings of Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha, although there are no significant developments of note in regards to the Gunners’ interest in the Leeds attacker,” he wrote.
“Amid talk of an opening offer for the Brazilian winger, Express Sport understands Arsenal are mindful that Leeds are keen to encourage a bidding war for their star man, who is also attracting interest from Barcelona, Tottenham and Chelsea.”
Good move
Raphinha is Leeds United’s best player at least attacking-wise, and that too by some margin therefore, his departure will leave a big void for the Whites to fill.
Therefore, it is imperative for Leeds to ensure that they get the maximum amount of money from their most valuable asset so that they have enough to strengthen other areas of the squad to ensure that the team will not have similar problems as the one they had in the recently concluded campaign.
The Brazil international joined Leeds from French club Stade Rennais in the summer of 2020 in a deal worth £16.74 million [Transfermarkt].
Since then, he has represented his current club in 66 matches across all competitions where he has managed to score 17 goals and provided 11 assists.
In the previous campaign, the 25-year-old scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 36 matches across all competitions.
In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano has shared if a ‘Sensational’ defensive midfielder has agreed terms for an Elland Road switch and become the club’s fourth summer signing.