According to Adam Crafton of The Athletic, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur look set to battle it out for the signature of Brazilian Leeds United winger Raphinha. Barcelona were seemingly in pole position for the player, but their financial woes have reopened the door for other clubs.
Spurs and Arsenal Battle It Out for Brazilian Leeds United Winger
Raphinha Wanted by Top Clubs
The Brazil international has impressed the Elland Road faithful since he arrived from Rennes in October 2020. He has amassed 65 Premier League appearances with 17 goals and 12 assists.
While at Leeds, he has broken into the Brazilian international squad appearing nine times and scoring three goals. His impressive form for Leeds shone through on his debut for Brazil, where he assisted two goals and won a penalty in a 45-minute cameo against Venezuela in a 3-1 win.
With Barcelona’s financial woes, Spurs and Arsenal are thought to be in pole position for the Brazil international. The 25-year-old was instrumental in helping Leeds survive this season. Despite being adored by the Elland Road faithful, he is fiercely ambitious and has expressed his ambition to the Leeds hierarchy that he wants European football. They are sympathetic to his situation but will not be letting him go cheap – with the valuation set at €55m, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal have genuine interest in Raphinha since March, he’s always been appreciated – but there’s still no bid or negotiation with Leeds. Gabriel Jesus & Tielemans, priorities. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
Leeds won’t accept less than €55m for Raphinha, as of now – message sent to Barça days ago. https://t.co/i0Pnqd7Pty
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2022
Where To Next for Raphinha?
Barcelona seemed to be favourites in the race for Raphinha. Their financial woes have halted any potential transfers, with the Catalan giants reportedly €1 billion in debt. The Brazilian international is hungry to play in Europe. Spurs are seemingly in a stronger position than North London rivals Arsenal in the race for the wanted Leeds man – with Champions League football on offer at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium next season. Tottenham is also looking at Everton’s Brazilian star Richarlison. Arsenal will find it difficult to compete with Spurs for Raphinha without the lure of Champions League football.
He is coming off his most impressive season to date. He was vital in helping Leeds survive relegation from the Premier League. Wherever he ends up next season, they will be getting a player oozing confidence and one that has so much more to offer.
