Arsenal icon Paul Merson has backed Leeds United winger Raphinha of playing for some of the bigger clubs in the Premier League as links to Arsenal continue. The Gunners have been rumoured to be admirers of the Brazilian over the past few days despite initial reports suggesting that he has ‘agreed’ on a deal to move to Barcelona.
Whether that is the case remains to be seen, but the Gunners will remain hopeful of hijacking any deal considering the state of the Catalan club’s current finances - if their own interest is of course genuine. Despite that, Gunners hero Merson has given his say on a potential switch, waxing lyrical about the former Rennes man’s abilities.
Writing for Sportskeeda, he said: “Raphinha is a player who has generated a lot of transfer talk in recent weeks, with Barcelona reportedly interested in snapping him up this summer.
READ MORE: Nunez signs, Gakpo arrives, Lacazette decision - Arsenal forwards after Edu transfer masterclass
“I think he’ll leave Leeds regardless of what happens – he’s capable of playing for any of the big boys in the Premier League.
“Real Madrid and Barcelona still have the charm when it comes to foreign players – when either of the two clubs come for a player, they inevitably end up getting them.”
Merson’s call on the Leeds United man comes after an exemplary couple of seasons for the Whites at Elland Road. Ever since arriving in Yorkshire, the 25-year-old has scored 15 and notched 12 assists in 59 Premier League outings.
His contributions this term have been a huge boost to Leeds and their hopes of staying in the Premier League and Brazil legend Rivaldo has also backed Raphinha to seal a move elsewhere - whether that be to his former club Barcelona or somewhere else.
Speaking to Betfair in October, he said: "Raphinha performed well on his debut for Brazil, but he was already shining in the Premier League with Leeds United and there are rumours of interest from Liverpool.
"If he were to make the move, he may not be a regular starter, but I'm sure it would be a big step in his career since it would allow him to compete for titles and play in the Champions League which could be crucial for more call ups into the Brazilian national team.
"He has the quality to player for a bigger club. He is playing excellent football and a player always wants more and stronger challenges, so he would benefit from a transfer."
Raphinha is currently valued at just over £40m and has just two years left on his current Leeds United contract.
