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Ray Parlour: Leeds United winger Raphinha worth more than fellow Brazilian Richarlison
Ray Parlour would rather pay in excess of £50million for Leeds United winger Raphinha than Everton’s in-demand striker Richarlison.
Both players have been at the centre of intense transfer speculation this summer with the Daily Mail reporting on 20 June that Arsenal and Tottenham have been joined by Chelsea in the chase for Richarlison’s signature.
Whilst The Mail also reported on Thursday 24 June, that Chelsea are preparing a bid for Raphinha.
However, Parlour believes the Leeds man has a far higher value that his compatriot Richarlison.
Talking on talkSPORT Breakfast on Friday 24 June, Parlour said: “He’s a top player absolutely, I think any club will be interested in Raphinha.
“After what he’s done at Leeds I would [rather pay £50million on Raphinha than Richarlison].
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“He’s shown he’s a top player and that lots of clubs will be in for him as well.”
Edging closer
It feels as if Raphinha’s Leeds United exit is certainly edging closer with the Premier League interest in the winger seriously ramping up in recent weeks.
However, with Leeds United’s early transfer business, fans should have faith in Jesse Marsch to adequately replace the Brazilian talisman should he depart this summer.
It is a good thing that speculation has grown early on in the window with the club hierarchy having plenty of time to plan and search for an adequate replacement.
It seems that search is already taking place with FootMercato journalist Sebastien Denis reporting on Wednesday 22 June, that Leeds are in “hot pursuit” of PSV Eindhoven 23-year-old winger Cody Gakpo.
That was followed by The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano reporting via his personal Twitter account that Leeds are monitoring Club Brugge 21-year-old forward Charles De Ketelaere.
Marsch and Victor Orta have certainly stumbled across an excellent formula for tracking players and turning targets into signings very quickly.
If Leeds do lose Raphinha, they’re likely to move fast to find a replacement.
In other Leeds United news, Victor Orta was spotted jetting out of the UK with Phil Hay sharing that a transfer is being lined up at Elland Road