Tottenham have joined Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona in the race to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha – a player that has earned praise from both Lucas Moura and Emerson Royal in 2021.
Leeds are likely to wave goodbye to Raphinha this summer. But the 25-year-old’s favoured move to Barcelona looks more than unlikely, with the Nou Camp side unable to afford the asking price placed on Raphinha’s head by Leeds.
Reports from The Athletic say Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea are looking to take advantage by landing Raphinha this summer. Raphinha has a contract at Elland Road until the summer of 2024, but is not likely to renew terms.
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It means that they will have to sell him this summer to get full whack for the Brazil international. He is a player that both Lucas and Emerson have praised last year on Instagram, and now, they could be his new teammates.
Lucas posted on Instagram after his 150th Spurs outing, and Raphinha responded – prompting reaction from Lucas, who urged the Leeds star to keep following the “footsteps”. He said “you are doing so well.”
During the early stages of 2021-22, Raphinha made his debut for Brazil and netted a brace for his country in a 4-1 win over Uruguay. Emerson Royal responded to a post after the match, saying “You are a phenomenon.”
Lucas and Emerson praise of Raphinha as Tottenham eye Leeds man
It would be a wonderful signing for Spurs. Tottenham need competition in the final third for Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski – with Steven Bergwijn almost certain to leave. Lucas has interest from Juventus.
So, Raphinha would be a solid addition. Would Daniel Levy spend north of £50million on a player that might not start? It seems hard to conceive, but Spurs are making a real push – and have made three real bargains so far.
Solving three issues for a combined £25million – in free transfers for Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and a £25million move for Yves Bissouma – Spurs will have cash to spend elsewhere. Some of that could go on Raphinha.
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