The Gunners are stepping up their efforts in the race to sign Leeds highly rated winger, Raphinha. ‘More talks planned with 25yo’s camp & increased offer expected’ according to The Athletic, via David Ornstein on Twitter.
Arsenal are thought to be the front runners and a second bid is expected to be submitted in the coming days. The first bid, rumoured to be around £35m fell way short of Leeds valuation and was rejected out of hand.
It is thought The Whites are holding out for around the £65m mark.
🚨 Arsenal to intensify efforts next week to sign Raphinha from Leeds. More talks planned with 25yo’s camp & increased offer expected. Feeling among other suitors is #AFC now leading & he’s said to be open to joining them. W/ @PhilHay_ @TheAthleticUK #LUFC https://t.co/FDYluxP0zx
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 25, 2022
The Athletic have said “Further conversations are believed to be scheduled with the 25-year-old’s representatives as the North London club look to secure a deal, There is a sense around the situation, and among the other teams interested in Raphinha, that Arsenal are now firm favourites for his signature.”
Arsenal remain optimistic that the Brazil International will be on his way to The Emirates and it is believed Raphinha is open to the move. His contract runs until 2024 with the West Yorkshire club and the understanding is the player is not open to signing a new contract with The Whites.
“Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in the Brazil international but the former are currently focusing their attention on Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling and the latter’s first-choice target is Everton forward Richarlison”.
Barcelona had always been the players preferred destination, but with mounting financial, and off the field problems, it now looks like that move is not on the cards. Spurs can offer Champions League football, as can Chelsea but as it stands, only Arsenal have actually submitted an offer.
Where will Raphinia go? Will he give Leeds another season?
In case you missed it, Fabrizio Romano: Leeds stand firm on valuation