It looks like Leeds United’s Raphinha has no shortage of takers because after Liverpool now Arsenal and Spurs are also interested in him, as per a report in The Athletic.
Raphinha is expected to leave Leeds United this summer and for the longest time, the winger was expected to join Barcelona. However, it looks like Barca won’t be able to get this deal through because they are finding it hard to accumulate the necessary funds.
Leeds understand that it is impossible for them to hold onto the 25-year-old but they will only let Raphinha leave once their valuation is met.
Liverpool have been linked with the winger for more than a year and now as per the reports, Spurs and Arsenal are also interested in signing the Leeds man.
🚨 Arsenal & Tottenham both hold genuine interest in Leeds’ Raphinha in what may be one of the big tussles this summer. Chelsea also have interest, but they are also pursuing Ousmane Dembele, while Spurs also considering Richarlison. Story @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/tw4UnhrASQ
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) June 14, 2022
Will Liverpool seriously make a move for Raphinha?
Liverpool have been linked with Raphinha for more than a year but we don’t think they will try and sign the winger this summer.
Jurgen Klopp wants to sign the Leeds man as the long-term replacement for Mo Salah and since the Egyptian is not likely to leave this summer, Liverpool are not expected to go after Raphinha.
The Brazilian international played in 35 Premier League games last season so the last thing he will want is to play second fiddle to Salah at Anfield. Klopp also knows this very well so we don’t think he will try and bring Raphinha on board until he is absolutely sure that Mo Salah isn’t staying.
Do Arsenal or Spurs have a chance to sign Raphinha?
The right-winger scored 11 goals in the Premier League last season and also provided three assists so we can understand why Conte and Arteta are both willing to fight for him.
However, we don’t think Raphinha will be too keen to join Spurs for the exact same reason why Liverpool are not likely to make a move for him in this window.
Kulusevski has been a favourite for Conte down the right-wing so at Spurs, Raphinha will face some serious competition. Whichever club he joins, he will want consistent game time and we don’t think Tottenham can guarantee that at the moment.
Arsenal also have Bukayo Saka who plays on the right flank but unlike Kulusevski, the England international can also play on the left wing so slotting Raphinha into the first XI won’t be a problem for Arsenal.
Having said all these, the rumours of the North London clubs being interested in the Leeds man are very much in their nascent stages and there’s still a long way to go before either of them makes any sort of concrete move.
