Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United winger Raphinha amid interest from other clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea – a player that Spurs icon Robbie Keane has compared to Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez.
Raphinha, 25, has sparkled for Leeds over the last two seasons. Joining the club from Rennes, he has had a hand in 29 goals in 67 games for the Whites. During 2021-22, he scored 11 goals in the club’s fight against relegation.
The Athletic claim Tottenham are rivalling Arsenal and Chelsea for Raphinha. That is, despite already boasting the likes of Son Heung-min, Steven Bergwijn, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura in Antonio Conte’s squad.
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Following a 3-2 win over West Ham, in which Jack Harrison – another Tottenham target – scored a hat-trick, Keane praised Raphinha. During his analysis with Sky Sports, as per Leeds Live, he compared Raphinha to Mahrez.
“He’s been a revelation since joining Leeds I’d imagine there’s big clubs around the world watching him. He has real ability, he can change a game in an instant. He’s scored some very, very important goals.
“The way he drifts and comes in on the inside it reminds me of Riyad Mahrez. Mahrez, the way he side-foots the ball into the net he’s very comfortable with great balance. He’s got a real ability and he’s stepped up to the plate.”
Tottenham interested in Raphinha: Keane compared him to Mahrez
What a wonderful signing Raphinha would be for Spurs. The issue is, is that Spurs would have to pay more than £50million up front to sign the Leeds ace. Something Fabio Paratici rarely does.
Even deals for Cristian Romero or Kulusevski have been initial loans. Yves Bissouma will be one of his most-expensive additions, in that he is paying the transfer fee up front. Others likes Rodrigo Bentancur have been under £20million.
Would Raphinha start? He would certainly push Kulusevski very far for the right-wing slot. His signing might even convince Conte to drop into the right wing-back role behind Raphinha.
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