Raphinha is on the radial of several European clubs, as clubs such as Barcelona, Chelsea and Tottenham are also in the race for the 25-year-old
By Kehinde Okeowo
Leeds United Brazilian striker, Raphinha, has declined the opportunity to join the north London club, Arsenal, opting to play for their west London rival, Chelsea instead.
Arsenal, who have already captured Portuguese midfielder, Viera Fabio, have made a bid for the striker but they face strong competition to sign Raphinha as Barcelona, Chelsea, and Tottenham are also in the race for the 25-year-old.
According to The Athletic, the Gunners tabled a formal offer but the bid is set to be ‘rejected out of hand’ by Leeds United who feel it falls short of their valuation for the player.
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The Premier League club also contended that should the player decide to remain in the Premier League for next season, Chelsea would be his preferred destination.
Raphinha would prefer to join Barcelona ahead of other clubs who have shown interest in him, but the La Liga giants are constrained by their finances and are looking to offload players first before the move.
Raphinha, who joined Leeds in a £17 million deal from Rennes in 2020, still has two years on his current contract and so Leeds United are not in hurry to let him go.
It’s understood that the club which escaped relegation on the last day are holding out for a £50m fee for the Brazil international.