A fresh insight into the future of Leeds United star Raphinha has been forthcoming on Friday evening.
The name of wide-man Raphinha has, of course, taken its place front and centre in the English media headlines for several weeks now.
This comes with the Brazilian international attracting the interest of not only the heavyweights of the Premier League, but European football as a whole.
Initially, it was Spanish powerhouse Barcelona who were viewed as the widespread favourites to strike a deal for the gifted attacker, with boss Xavi Hernandez desperate for reinforcements on the right flank ahead of the new campaign.
Recent weeks, though, have seen the Blaugrana’s interest cool, owing to both Leeds’ hefty asking price, and Ousmane Dembele’s potential contract renewal.
In turn, a host of rival suitors have been allowed back into the fray.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are one such club understood to be pushing hard for Raphinha’s services, with the Gunners having seen an opening offer for his services turned down earlier this week.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Raphinha walks off carrying a banner made by a fan during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road on May 15, 2022 in Leeds, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The race, though, remains very much open, with a fresh insight into the situation, as alluded to above, having been provided on Friday evening.
The info comes courtesy of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who confirms that not only Arsenal, but also north London rivals Tottenham, are currently ‘working on’ a deal for the 25-year-old.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have too gone as far as to make contact with Leeds, albeit with Raheem Sterling remaining the Blues’ priority target.
Kalvin Phillips’ imminent Elland Road exit, though, means that any club with legitimate hopes of striking a deal for Raphinha this summer will be forced to pay up, with the transfer team in west Yorkshire holding out for a fee in the region of £65 million.
Arsenal and Tottenham are both still working on Raphinha. Barcelona, no fresh bid as of now. No one reached an agreement with Leeds yet, asking £65m fee, stronger after Kalvin deal. ??? #LUFC
Next week can be crucial. Chelsea also called Leeds, but Sterling is top priority.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2022
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