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Premier League • England

Barcelona face rival in Raphinha transfer hunt, with Premier League suitor plotting move for Leeds winger

Raphinha, Leeds winger celebrates Premier League survival, following win at Brentford

Barcelona are not the only team hoping to sign Leeds winger Raphinha this summer, as a report claims Arsenal are considering a move for him too.

Raphinha enjoyed another impressive campaign with Leeds during 2021-22, notching 11 goals and three assists in 36 matches. He found the net in Premier League games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, among others.

Barcelona are hot on the Brazilian’s trail ahead of the summer transfer window getting underway.

They are desperate to take Raphinha to La Liga for the first time, although Leeds are holding strong.

According to The Athletic reporter Phil Hay, Leeds will not buckle and accept bids of less than £60million.

Given Barcelona’s financial struggles, this is giving Whites supporters hope the attacker will actually remain at Elland Road.

However, Barca have proven their pull power with the captures of Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie on free transfers. And they can never be truly written off.

The Telegraph provide an update on Raphinha’s future, and they claim the 25-year-old to be a target for Arsenal.

Raphinha eyed as winger addition

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta can already use Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe in wide areas.

But the report states Arteta wants a new option on the wing and landing Raphinha would be a perfect solution.

As a result, Arsenal are considering whether to launch an official bid for the nine-time Brazil international in the near future.

The north London side are also in the mix for a new striker to replace Alexandre Lacazette, with Gianluca Scamacca one potential signing.

Landing both the Italian goalscorer and Raphinha from Leeds would be a top transfer window for Arsenal.

Leeds stand firm on huge Raphinha deal breaker

Leeds stand firm on huge Raphinha deal breaker

Leeds United won’t be moved from their stance on the Raphinha transfer as Barcelona want to pay in instalments

But they may find it tough to bring Raphinha to the Emirates. That’s because Barca will rival them all the way.

In addition, Leeds would probably prefer him to join a foreign side rather than remaining in England and playing against them.

We feel a move to Arsenal for Raphinha is the least likely of the three scenarios. He could push through a move to Barca, but Arsenal’s lack of Champions League football makes them a less attractive destination.

And with Leeds’ asking price so high, the star could end up staying in West Yorkshire after all.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are targeting a second Belgium international alongside Youri Tielemans, as per one source.