Arsenal could beat Barcelona to Raphinha transfer despite 'full agreement' - Express 19/6/22
ARSENAL are among the teams interested in signing Leeds star Raphinha, reports say.
By LEWIS WINTER
Barcelona must act fast or risk losing the race for Leeds
star Raphinha, according to reports. Barca are claimed to have a full agreement
with the player's agent on personal terms but Arsenal could make their move if
the La Liga giants cannot agree a fee with Leeds.
Raphinha's 11 goals and three assists were vital to Jesse
Marsch's side avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season. But
there has been constant speculation over his future since the January transfer
window.
Bayern Munich were linked with a move for the Brazilian
before Barca's interest became apparent. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says
there has been an agreement between Barca and Raphinha's agent Deco over a
five-year deal since February.
However, the Nou Camp club are yet to stump up the fee Leeds
want. Romano says the Yorkshire-based club will not accept anything less than
their £47.2million (€55m) asking price.
He claims Arsenal are one of the clubs to be back in the
race for Raphinha so Barca will have to move fast to beat off competition.
Romano tweeted: "Raphinha deal. Barcelona have full agreement with his
agent Deco since February on a five year deal but Leeds want €55m, no plan to
change their price tag. Barca need to be fast as Premier League clubs are back
in the race, including Arsenal - but no bid submitted yet."
Arsenal have made just one signing so far this summer,
bringing in another Brazilian winger. Nineteen-year-old Marquinhos has joined
for a fee of less than £3m.
They are set to announce the signing of Portuguese
midfielder Fabio Vieira in the coming days, as well as USA goalkeeper Matt
Turner. But former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has backed the club to make a
move for Raphinha.
