Arsenal plan improved bid for Leeds’ Raphinha as Spurs and Chelsea loom - Guardian 22/6/22
Leeds likely to demand at least £65m for Brazil international
Arsenal want Manchester City’s Jesus as well as Raphinha
Arsenal have had an offer rejected by Leeds for Raphinha but
intend to push again to sign the Brazil international amid competition from two
other Premier League clubs and Barcelona.
Tottenham have told Leeds they plan to bid – that could
arrive this week – and Chelsea’s co-owner Todd Boehly, the interim sporting
director, has explored the situation. Barcelona agreed personal terms with
Raphinha months ago but Leeds want far more than the £35m-£40m the Catalan club
have in mind.
It is likely to require at least £65m to convince them to
sell. Arsenal have been interested in the 25-year-old since March and have been
in negotiations with Leeds, who bought Raphinha from Rennes for about £17m in
October 2020 on a contract to 2024. He scored 11 goals and set up three in the
Premier League last season.
Arsenal have strengthened their attacking options by buying
Fábio Vieira from Porto for an initial £30m but also want to bring in Raphinha
and his international teammate Gabriel Jesus, who is poised to leave Manchester
City.
Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain are among others
interested in Jesus but Arsenal are leading the race. Arsenal are in advanced
talks with the player’s agents and if outstanding details are resolved they
will look to settle on a fee with City.
