Leeds United try to force through quickfire Cody Gakpo signing with Raphinha ‘one step away’ from Chelsea transfer
Raphinha is just “one step away” from joining Chelsea and that has led to Leeds United stepping up their efforts to sign Cody Gakpo, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian website reported on Tuesday night (28 June) that AC Milan have been in the hunt to sign Gakpo, 23, from PSV but they now face increased competition from Lees for the Netherlands international’s signature.
It is understood that Leeds are preparing for the inevitable exit of Raphinha and are “trying to force immediately” a replacement for the Brazil star.
TMW claims Leeds are now working on signing Gakpo, who’s also being eyed up at the San Siro by AC Milan.
On Tuesday night (28 June), Fabrizio Romano reported that Leeds have accepted an offer from Chelsea for Raphinha and talks are underway about personal terms.
Get it done
If Raphinha goes, we’d be thrilled with the addition of Gakpo.
The Dutchman was in fine form for PSV last season as he scored 21 goals and supplied 15 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
One of those goals won the Dutch Cup for PSV while he scored seven of them in European competition.
He’d be a terrific addition but one issue we have is that Gakpo is mainly a left-sided forward who’s right-footed.
Raphinha is the opposite.
However, Jesse Marsch may have a different plan for Gakpo and could see him fitting it on the right-hand side. Or he could even see him as someone who can play on the left and move Jack Harrison onto the right – or even as a left wing-back.
There’s a lot up in the air right now and a change of formation this summer wouldn’t shock us because Marsch did show he’s willing to tinker with Marcelo Bielsa’s system.
Gakpo looks like a class young player though and we think he’ll fit in well at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, this Whites player has been spotted undergoing a medical ahead of a permanent move away from Elland Road.