Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea all made ‘superior’ offers to sign Leeds United star Raphinha – and were willing to pay as much as £63million for the Brazil international.
It comes as the 25-year-old is set to finally complete his dream move to Barcelona, after weeks and months of haggling. Barcelona are now ready to stump up the cash and meet the Yorkshire club’s asking price.
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The report states that Raphinha will be penning a five-year deal. An initial fee of £48million, plus £6million in add-ons. Barcelona are set to complete a deal in the coming days, and Raphinha will be on their pre-season tour of USA.
However, it is clear that Premier League clubs were offering more. All three offered bigger wages to Raphinha. Barcelona’s total deal for Raphinha is £54million. but Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea were ready to pay £63million.
Tottenham and Arsenal made superior offers to sign Leeds star Raphinha
Finally, Barcelona get a deal done. Leeds bring in a decent fee for a player they bought for just £17million in 2020. It sees them triple their transfer fee, raking in £90million in initial fees for both Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
The club have already spent £5million more than that on incomings. But they are likely to pursue a striker to hand Joe Gelhardt and Patrick Bamford some competition. A left-back and an experienced goalkeeper, too.
While some may feel it is slightly on the cheap – they are allowing Raphinha to join his dream club. They are also waving goodbye to a player that will not have to play against them next season.
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