Leeds United have reportedly rejected Arsenal ’s opening offer for star winger Raphinha.
The Gunners are interested in a deal for the Brazilian this summer with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. They made their first tangible attempts to secure his services on Monday night with their opening offer.
It remains to be seen just how much the north London side tabled but according to The Athletic, the bid fell well below Leeds’ valuation of the former Rennes man and was rejected as a result. That does not appear to have deterred Arsenal though who are expected to retain their interest in Raphinha and intend on potentially making him their third acquisition of the summer window.
The Gunners have already sealed the signing of his compatriot Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, whilst Porto star Fabio Vieira completed a £34m switch to the Emirates Stadium on Monday evening. In the meantime, American goalkeeper Matt Turner looks set to be another to arrive at the club with an official announcement on his move from New England Revolution to come sooner rather than later.
It of course remains to be seen whether Raphinha will be joining the trio this summer but the Gunners certainly have to navigate a few hurdles in attempting to seal a deal - none least agreeing a fee with Leeds. There is also reported to be plenty of competition for his services should he elect to leave Elland Road.
Barcelona have long been linked with a move for the winger and appeared to be closing in on a deal - only for Leeds’ final day escape from relegation putting negotiations on the buffers. Talks could be back on the table with Raphinha’s agent Deco having been pictured with Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
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Meanwhile, Premier League duo Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in a deal. Reports in Italy suggested that the Blues were leading the race before being hit with Government sanctions but are now free to conduct business following Todd Boehly’s takeover at Stamford Bridge.
Antonio Conte ’s Spurs are willing to enter the running for his services and like their north London rivals could submit an offer.
Raphinha, 25, still has two years left to run on his current contract in Yorkshire. He was key to the side’s escape from relegation last term having hit 11 Premier League goals throughout the campaign - that following his debut season at Elland Road where he hit six goals and provided a further nine assists.
Leeds look certain to make a tidy profit on the winger having secured a £17m deadline day deal fo him back in 2020, the Brazilian having previously spent a season with Rennes following a move from Sporting Clube de Portugal.
