Arsenal have been linked with Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips of late – but Fabrizio Romano claims that Phillips is not the only Leeds player interesting the Gunners. Romano says Arsenal have asked Leeds about Raphinha.
Raphinha, 25, has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona of late. It is widely reported that the Brazil international has a release clause of £25million at Elland Road – but only if Jesse Marsch’s side suffer relegation.
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Plenty of price tags have been thrown around in the scenario that Leeds stay up, which looks more likely after two consecutive wins over Norwich and Wolves. Raphinha does look likely to go, if Leeds stay up or go down.
Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool have all been linked with Raphinha – but Romano says Arsenal have now asked for information regarding the ex-Rennes man. The Italian journalist also says Arsenal want Cody Gakpo.
“I can tell you that Arsenal also ask for information about Raphinha of Leeds,” Romano told The Here We Go Podcast. “Barcelona are leading the race for Raphinha. But also Arsenal ask for information for Raphinha.
“They are not leading the race. They are looking for that kind of player.
“So Gakpo is a player they are following, but also Raphinha is a player they like. But it’s really complicated because Barcelona are leading the race.”
Arsenal eye Raphinha: Leeds should charge more than Barcelona
Arsenal do have options on the flanks. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are shining on the left and right of Mikel Arteta’s side, but it might be that Arteta sees Martinelli’s future as a striker. The Gunners do need a striker.
So, signing Raphinha might allow Saka to move to the left and free up Martinelli to play through the middle. Would Leeds sell to a Premier League rival? Perhaps, but they should charge more than Barca, because of it.
Earlier this season, Arsenal defender Gabriel told Raphinha on Instagram that he was a big fan of the Leeds attacker.
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