Arsenal’s offer for Leeds United winger Raphinha failed to meet the Whites’ expectations, reports The Athletic. The Brazilian is hot commodity this summer, with Chelsea and Barcelona also among those keen on his services.
The Gunners’ offer for the 25-year-old fell below Leeds’ expectations and was rejected straight off the bat. Despite that, the North Londoners remain firm admirers of the winger and could follow up with an improved offer.
Barcelona, too, are in the race and have established a channel with the player’s intermediary – the former Barca star, Deco. Chelsea are also keen on the Brazilian, with new co-owner Todd Boehly the driving force behind their interest. Barcelona remains Raphinha’s top priority with Chelsea next; Arsenal are behind in the pecking order due to their lack of Champions League football next season.
Leeds are asking for 65 million pounds this summer to part ways with their star asset, per Fabrizio Romano. The Whites stand to make a hefty profit on the winger whom they signed for Stade Rennais two years ago for just 17 million pounds. In his two seasons at the club, Raphinha has played 67 games, scored 17 goals, and created 12 more for his teammates.
Leeds are willing to let the player walk away this season for the right price, two years before his contract runs out. According to Romano, they are already planning for a future without the Brazilian. Belgian attacker Charles De Ketelaere of Club Brugge is on Leeds’ shortlist to replace Raphinha, as is PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo.
Furthermore, the Whites have already brought in an attacker in this transfer window, with RB Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson joining the club on a long-term contract in a 25 million pounds deal.
Meanwhile, despite their rejected offer, Arsenal have had a productive window so far, too. The Gunners have signed striker Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, playmaker Fabio Vieira from FC Porto, and goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution.
