Arsenal and Tottenham have become embroiled in yet another transfer battle as both sides target Raphinha, but Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are predicting big things if either side sign the Brazilian.
Raphinha has starred for Leeds ever since signing for the club back in 2020, and the Brazilian has been linked with a move away ever since showcasing his skills in the Premier League. Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have been amongst those interested, but according to GOAL it is the Gunners that have pulled into pole position.
Tottenham have already been busy in this transfer window, and Arsenal are looking to match them as the north London battle continues. But Neville and Carragher have backed either side to move for Raphinha, after showering him with praise.
Speaking on Sky Sports earlier this year, Neville said: "He’s a top player. I think if they were to go down then a lot of clubs would be looking at him.
"I know he was left out towards the end of the [Marcelo] Bielsa reign, people saying he was inconsistent, but every time I’ve watched him I think 'I wouldn’t like to play against him'. He’s certainly a level above the players they have on the bench."
And they don't often agree when debating matters on Sky Sports, but Carragher echoed Neville's views, as he analysed Raphinha's performances. "Some of his touches and his play when he comes inside, we’ve highlighted his movement as well," Carragher said.
"I was really impressed with him when I watched him at Leicester. You see that shot there, that’s so typical of a wide man, that penetrating run that we talk about with Salah, Mane and Sterling, all the great wide players. They make that run and he does. He has great quality on the ball.
"He assisted Bamford certainly in that Leicester game when he fired that pass in and you look at his numbers there, he looks like a real player, certainly of late. I think we mentioned before the game that he’s been involved in seven goals in the last eight games, so he’s always a huge threat and that’s always telling when your teammates know from one training session.
"I’ll never forget one player - as soon as Xabi Alonso came to Liverpool - it’s like you could tell in the session, the way he passed, the pace of the pass, the noise of it, as a dressing room you sort of step back and say that we’ve got one here and it sounds like that was what the Leeds dressing room did (with Raphinha)."
Leeds are reportedly holding out for at least £50million for Raphinha, and Arsenal are said to be considering a bid for the Brazilian. The Gunners are also looking to complete a deal for Gabriel Jesus, as Mikel Arteta attempts to restructure his front line.
Alexandre Lacazette has now left the club to join Lyon on a free transfer, and Eddie Nketiah is their last remaining striker after signing a new deal. The Brazilian duo of Jesus and Raphinha could be exactly what Arsenal need to get themselves back into the Champions League.
But Tottenham are already in the competition, and it's likely that they could hijack a deal if they combat Arsenal's pursuit. Antonio Conte will need squad depth for next season, and another attacker is being targeted.
