Reports have suggested that Raphinha's proposed move to Barcelona could now be off with Xavi Hernandez winning his battle to convince Ousmane Dembele to stay at the club. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Frenchman has had a change of heart and will now sign a new contract.
It is understood that Raphinha was going to replace Dembele at the Spanish giants after struggling to cement his place in the side. But the source has claimed that Dembele, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, is now loving life under manager Xavi and feels it would be a mistake to walk away now.
The 24-year-old is arguably playing the best football of his time at the Nou Camp since joining from Borussia Dortmund in a £104million deal in 2017. Dembele has grabbed seven assists in his last five La Liga matches - more than the previous three seasons combined.
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His new deal will include a supposed pay-cut given Barcelona's financial worries and it is something he is now willing to do. With Dembele staying, it is reported that their long-standing interest in Raphinha could be coming to an end as they feel they don't need to strengthen on the right-hand side.
This would prove to be a massive boost for the Whites in their pursuit of keeping Raphinha at Elland Road. Following his move from Rennes in October 2020, he has scored 15 goals and contributed with 12 assists in 59 appearances in all competitions.
Raphinha has been one of Leeds' standout players this season and his form has attracted interest from a number of top European clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. TEAMTalk also reported that Arsenal were the latest team to express an interest in the 25-year-old.
The Gunners let Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang leave to join Barcelona in January and are keen to bolster their attacking options at the end of the season. Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling have both been linked with Arsenal, while Raphinha is supposedly their top target.
However, Leeds have not given up hope in keeping the player. They previously held talks with his agent Deco just before Christmas over a contract extension - which would keep him at the club beyond his current deal that runs out in 2024.
More talks will be scheduled should Leeds ensure their Premier League survival. The Whites sit in 16th, seven points above the relegation zone heading into the final eight matches.
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