Raphinha’s agent has been spotted in the company of Barcelona president Juan Laporta just hours after Arsenal submitted the first official bid for the winger. The Gunners tabled their opening offer yesterday evening (Tuesday, June 21), which is understood to fall some way short of Leeds’ valuation and will not be successful.
Mikel Arteta’s side will likely come in with improved bids which edge closer to the £60million mark, but will need to act swiftly - that approach will have pricked up a few ears at the Nou Camp, not least Laporta. Barcelona have been Raphinha’s preferred destination for some time, but the Catalan giants have failed to come anywhere near Leeds’ price-tag and have gone quiet in recent weeks.
Reports had suggested that Raphinha’s agent - former Barca midfielder Deco - had agreements between club and player already in place and that he had been blocking approaches from other clubs as they await an agreement between the two parties. And now, with Arsenal leading the race, the ex-Chelsea man has been pictured with Laporta and ex-teammate Samuel Eto’o.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer warning amid uncertain futures of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha
Eto’o posted a picture on Instagram of himself at a table alongside the Barca president and Blaugrana legend Deco, with the caption (in Catalan): “How great! @fcbarcelona @deco_official @jlaportaoficial Long live Barca!”
The purpose of the photo may well have been to remind parties involved of the relationship between Barcelona and Raphinha’s agent, with the Spanish club still keen on signing the 25-year-old despite their recent silence. The club’s financial problems have made a deal difficult, but they are hoping to move on players like Frenkie De Jong in order to raise funds, while offloading the likes of Phillipe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele will free up more funds for player wages.
Arsenal remain the only side who have made a concrete offer for the Whites man, and those in West Yorkshire may hope the development will reignite Barcelona and drive the two club’s into a bidding war. Leeds have no obligation to sell the ex-Rennes winger as he is contracted until 2024, but they are understanding of the player’s wish to compete in European football and would listen to offers that meet their demands.
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