Leeds United will face increasing pressure this week over the sale of Raphinha, with Arsenal intensifying their interest in the Brazilian star. The Gunners are set to enter direct negotiations with the club in a bid to pip Barcelona, Tottenham and Chelsea to the winger and are reportedly ready to pay Leeds’ asking price - although that amount varies from £45-60million.
Raphinha’s departure this summer is becoming increasingly likely, despite Barcelona going quiet. The Catalan club were the preferred destination and the former Rennes man had personal terms agreed, while his agent - former Barca midfielder Deco - was blocking offers from elsewhere as they awaited an offer. But their hesitance to meet Leeds’ valuation has opened the door for top Premier League sides to flash some cash of their own.
Those in charge at Elland Road will have been aware for some time that their attacking talisman - signed for a bargain £17million from Rennes - would move on to the European stage at some point, and Victor Orta will no doubt have a list of potential replacements. Multiple wide forwards / wingers have already been linked with a move to Elland Road and those rumours are set to intensify as the sale of Raphinha looks more likely.
