Keith Downie has told Give Me Sport that Leeds United winger Raphinha is “setting his sights” higher than Newcastle this summer – with Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Barcelona all among his suitors.
Raphinha, 25, has been a revelation for Leeds over the last two years after earning a £17million move from Rennes to Elland Road in 2020. He has had a hand in 28 goals in just 66 appearances for Leeds, and has a contract until 2024.
Now, reports from the Mail claim Newcastle are monitoring the situation – claiming Raphinha would be a ‘dream signing’ for Eddie Howe. They also confirm Arsenal’s interest in the £65m-rated (Romano) ex-Sporting Lisbon star.
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Tottenham are seemingly focusing on Everton’s Richarlison, Chelsea on Romelu Lukaku and their defence, and Barcelona are struggling to afford him. But Downie says Raphinha wants better than Newcastle this summer.
“He’s definitely a player they’re interested in, but the best way of putting this is he’s probably setting his sights a little bit higher, with all due respect to Newcastle. Barcelona have made it pretty clear that they’re interested in him.”
Downie: Leeds winger Raphinha setting sights higher than Newcastle
What a signing Raphinha would be for Newcastle. With Sven Botman, Matty Targett and Nick Pope in the door – they now need a holding midfielder, right winger and a striker. Raphinha would be the ideal right winger.
Newcastle have Ryan Fraser, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron. While all three showed glimpses of quality in 2021-22 – but they are hardly the long-term answer. Raphinha is perfect, but he wants better than the Toon.
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