Arsenal consider move for Leeds United star Raphinha
Raphinha is expected to leave Leeds United in the coming weeks, with Premier League giants Arsenal joining the race for his signature according to The Telegraph [June 10].
The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a transfer to Barcelona this summer, after scoring 11 goals in 35 games for the Whites as he helped them to escape relegation on the final day of the 2021/22 season.
But a fresh twist has emerged as the Gunners are now said to be considering a move for the 25-year-old winger, with his exit expected “in the coming weeks”.
Barcelona are struggling financially this summer and so far are unable to match the £60m asking price that Leeds have set for their star man to be able to leave the club.
Arsenal technical director Edu is known to have strong connections to Brazil and with Nicolas Pepe expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer Raphinha is seen as an ideal replacement to strengthen their attacking lineup, although no formal bid has been made yet.
No chance
Why would Raphinha leave Leeds to go and join Arsenal? What’s the benefit of it?
He is far too good to be playing Europa League football, so if it’s not a Champions League club making a move for him then the chances of him leaving Elland Road are basically zero.
Arsenal already have Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe that play out wide and it’s hard to imagine any of them being dropped by Arteta.
A Champions League club makes sense, with Raphinha keen to be playing regularly at the highest level to boost his chances of a World Cup place with Brazil.
But Arsenal don’t have that to offer, and the chances of them splashing out enough money to convince us to sell and then be able to convince him are slim to none.
Sorry Gunners, but this is surely a non-starter. It’s Champions League and £60m or he stays at Elland Road.
In other Leeds news, Raphinha Barcelona move in doubt as CL club make major transfer decision