Leeds United are in deep bother of losing a number of their first-team stars this summer.
Kalvin Phillips has been linked with an exit from Elland Road but one man that can’t keep the speculation away is Raphinha.
What’s the word?
Reports over recent months have suggested that the Leeds winger is being courted by Barcelona ahead of a possible summer switch.
However, another club have now entered the race to sign him in the shape of fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal.
That’s the news according to Fabrizio Romano who took to his ‘Here We Go’ podcast on Tuesday to reveal the following information:
“I can tell you that Arsenal also ask for information about Raphinha of Leeds. Barcelona are leading the race for Raphinha. But also Arsenal ask for information for Raphinha.”
Fans will rage
If Leeds do stay up under the guidance of Jesse Marsch and look to build towards next season, losing undoubtedly their best offensive player will come as a huge blow, one that will no doubt leave supporters full of rage.
Marsch is yet to take charge of the Whites during a transfer window and watching the Brazil international head for pastures new would not be the most ideal of ways to begin his summer.
Raphinha was signed from Rennes in the summer of 2020 and has been simply breathtaking for Leeds since being acquired by Marcelo Bielsa.
The Argentine has a keen eye for talent and together with Victor Orta, the 25-year-old has become one of the club’s best buys in recent memory.
His estimations have soared since coming to the Premier League, helped by some simply stunning football. Not only is the winger capable of working hard for the team and pressing relentlessly, but his qualities on the ball are marvellous too.
He has scored 15 times and registered 12 assists in the top-flight of English football, with nine of those strikes coming this term alone.
As a result, Leeds would be drastically worse off without him. Indeed, it’s not too unreasonable to suggest that they’d be heading for the Championship without a prayer if he was not fit or even at Thorp Arch this season.
Consequently, they must do all they can to hold onto him. Admittedly it feels like a difficult task but everyone associated with the club will be rather upset if he does depart.
Combine that with speculation surrounding Phillips and this summer is looking a bleak one for the Yorkshire side.
AND in other news, £12m down the drain: “Shocking” Leeds flop has stolen a living from Radz for 216 weeks…