Top Bielsa contact working on deal as Leeds bid £14m for Brazil striker

Marcelo Bielsa TEAMtalk

Leeds United have reportedly submitted a £14million bid for Basel striker Arthur Cabral as they look to improve their attack ahead of their Premier League return.

The Whites will begin the new season in the top flight for the first time in 16 years after winning promotion. Owner Andrea Radrizzani promised strong investment last month, hinting that he could break the club’s transfer record.

One priority for Marcelo Bielsa is another attacker to support Patrick Bamford up top, with the likes of Stuttgart’s Nicolas Gonzales already linked.

However, Globo Esporte claims that Leeds are looking elsewhere and have a firm interest in Arthur.

The Elland Road club have reportedly bid £14million for the Brazilian, the bid consisting of a guaranteed fee and lucrative performance bonuses.

However, Basel are reportedly holding out for an £18million offer. Although, the report adds that the Swiss club are happy to negotiate and strike a deal for a lower fee.

What’s more, Arthur is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League to try to extend his fantastic goal record.

The striker scored 18 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions this season, an average of close to a goal every two games.

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Arthur, 22, began his career with Brazilian side Ceara before moving to Palmeiras in January last year.

From there, he moved to Europe with Basel last summer – initially on loan – before the Swiss side made the deal permanent.

Globo Esporte also claims Leeds are negotiating the deal with businessman Paulo Pitombeira, who has links to Bielsa.

The pair worked together in 2017 when Bielsa secured the signing of Thiago Mendes for Lille.

LEEDS ALSO KEEN ON BATSHUAYI?

Michy.Batshuayi.Callum.Hudson.Odoi_.Chelsea.TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, further reports claim Leeds are keen on a move for Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi.

The Belgian faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after Timo Werner’s arrival sent him further down the pecking order.

Now, Leeds could reportedly swoop with Bielsa a known admirer of the player.

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