Arsenal to step up Raphinha transfer pursuit with 'enhanced' offer after Leeds United rejection - YEP 25/6/22
The Gunners are set to return with an improved offer for Leeds United talisman Raphinha
By Joe Donnohue
Arsenal are now said to be in pole position to sign Leeds
United winger Raphinha, according to a new report in The Athletic.
The Whites are braced for an improved offer from the north
London club after Arsenal's opening bid was rejected earlier this week.
Raphinha has entrusted his representatives with his future
but is not expected to sign a new deal at Elland Road in light of interest from
the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona.
The Catalan club's £34.2 million bid for Robert Lewandowski
in the past few days indicates where Barcelona's transfer priorities lie,
leading Arsenal to believe they are in a commanding position to land Raphinha's
signature this window.
Fellow London clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been
linked with a passing interest in the Brazil international, however other
players remain the Blues and Spurs' primary targets.
Leeds value Raphinha at over £50 million, looking to make a
four-fold return on their initial £17 million investment in the player some 20
months ago.
Arsenal's first offer left Leeds baffled when it was
initially lodged on Tuesday, but new reports claim the Gunners are ready to
pitch an 'enhanced' proposal.
The Brazil international's contract expires at Elland Road
in June 2024 but appears most likely to follow teammate Kalvin Phillips out the
exit door this summer.
