Arsenal have submitted an official bid for Leeds United winger Raphinha which the club are expected to turn down imminently, according to the Athletic . The Gunners have taken pole position in the race for the Brazilian after Barcelona backed away from negotiations, and are the first to make an official approach.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool have all shown a fleeting interest in the 25-year-old, whose preferred destination is the Nou Camp, but it is Arsenal who have made the first significant move with a tabled bid. But while the exact value is unknown, it is said to be some way short of Leeds’ valuation and they are in the process of turning it down already.
And after the news broke, Whites fans took to Twitter to have their say.
READ MORE: Leeds United make quick Raphinha decision as Arsenal submit official offer for Brazilian
@_LUFC_H tweeted: "I’m actually confused about why Arsenal want Raphinha, I don’t think they need him with all the other options they have. Rapha would better off elsewhere imo."
@CrossMagic said: "I haven't seen a single person say the glaringly obvious over the Phillips & Raphinha situation. If we cannot find a suitable replacement, then they don't leave. Irrespective of if they want to, or deserve to play at an elite club. It should be as simple as that."
@AllLoveLeeds tweeted: "What’s the opening bid? He’s a wonderful player, a Brazil first 11 player. Leeds won’t sell for anything less than £60-£70m. After the World Cup he’ll be worth £80m+."
@AntonyCarlHihhs said: "Shame he's going, but people need to realise how lucky we were to have him at Leeds in the first place. Best signing we've ever made for value, and we'll not see a player like him grace the white shirt for a long time. He's gonna be unreal with world class players around him."
@LinusMork tweeted: "Soo… do we think this is the beginning of a bidding war or will Arsenal soon bid £50m and this is all over?"
@AlanWheels23 said: "If Leeds sell Phillips and Rapha, it shows a lack of ambition imo and selling to other PL teams is daft. Both great players, should be keeping them in the white shirt of Leeds."
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