According to Tutto Udinese, Arsenal are now interested in signing Udinese maestro Rodrigo de Paul – Liverpool and Leeds are also keen.
What’s the story?
Well, the Italian news outlet published photos of Mino Raiola in Udine, where they believe he’s set for talks about the Argentine’s future.
Tutto Udinese believe that Atlético Madrid lead the race, but Liverpool, Leeds and Arsenal are lurking in the background.
FC Inter News recently revealed that Liverpool had already contacted Raiola to ask about De Paul.
FC Inter News added that Udinese have slapped a €40 million (£34.7 million) asking price on the midfielder’s head.
Leeds will be kicking themselves
With the likes of Atlético Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal now sniffing around the 27-year-old, Leeds will be kicking themselves.
Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta had a chance to land the 20-cap Argentina international last summer, when it seemed there was no competition.
Famously, De Paul even liked a tweet from a Leeds account named The Square Ball, which suggested he was keen on a move to Elland Road.
According to the Guardian, Leeds were told to pay £31 million to sign the South American, and no move materialised in the end.
Now, De Paul’s value has increased slightly, while a number of Europe’s top clubs have joined the race.
It has become increasingly harder for Leeds to sign the maestro as a result, although it’s certainly still possible, in our view.
De Paul might feel wanted by Leeds after their approach in 2020, which could hand Bielsa an advantage over the others.
Keep an eye on De Paul’s future – it really is a mystery as to where he could end up now.
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