Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to reports, as speculation over the winger’s future at Elland Road continues. According to the Athletic, Mikel Arteta’s side are one of three Premier League clubs - the other two being Tottenham and Chelsea - who are keen on signing the Brazilian after two outstanding seasons in West Yorkshire.
Interest has intensified in recent days after reports that Barcelona, who have been the widely-reported preferred destination for Raphinha, started to look for alternative options due to their financial problems and Leeds’ firm stance. The club are looking for around £60million for their star, and Catalan giants Barca have had to turn their sights on 34-year-old free agent Angel Di Maria.
And now the three London-based clubs are circling Elland Road, and although Chelsea look to be prioritising the free signing of Ousmane Dembele, Arsenal and Spurs could move for the 25-year-old. And Raphinha himself admitted in 2021 that he ‘grew up’ watching Gunners legend Thierry Henry and the rest of the Premier League.
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"I grew up on Thierry Henry’s goals." The Brazilian admitted in his piece for the Players’ Tribune in August. "I’d be watching the Prem with my dad on the free-to-air channels. Henry was flying, man. The runs, the finishes, it was crazy.
"I also remember that the stadiums were always full. The songs, the shouts. The noise. I can’t remember the details, but I was probably sitting in a run-down bar somewhere in Restinga when I made the vow: One day I’m going to play there."
He achieved his dream of playing in the Premier League after arriving in Leeds in the summer of 2020, for just £17million. Since then, the former Rennes man has racked up 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 games across all competitions, earning a call-up to the Brazil squad where he has risen quickly to become one of their top players.
Leeds are understanding of their winger’s desire to play on the European stage but have no obligation to sell unless their valuation is met. Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in a bid to pip their London rivals to the Brazilian, but missing out on the Champions League instantly puts the club at a disadvantage compared to Spurs and Barcelona.
