Leeds United winger Raphinha has caused plenty of transfer speculation this summer with the Brazilian expected to leave Elland Road, with Chelsea and Arsenal among the sides interested.
The 25-year-old scored 11 goals in 35 appearances in 2021-22, including on the final day of the season as they clinched survival at the expense of Burnley. It took his tally for the club to 17 since signing for the Yorkshire side from Rennes in the summer of 2020 for just £17 million.
Had Jesse Marsch's side been relegated last season a cut-price release clause of less than £30 million would have been activated. But having survived, Leeds are free to hold out for what they see as a fair price, thought to be around £50 million.
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A report from The Athletic on Monday night stated that Barcelona remains Raphinha's preferred destination for a move this summer. However, the Catalan giants remain well short of the asking price, throwing the chances of a move to the Camp Nou into serious doubt.
It means Raphinha will have to either wait for a move to Barcelona or choose a second choice. The same report details that Chelsea would be his top pick after Xavi's side over a move to the Emirates, despite Arsenal already submitting a formal offer for the Brazil international.
That bid apparently fell well below the asking price, however, and is set to be rejected. Whether the Gunners return with an improved offer remains to be seen. On Monday night, the club confirmed the signing of Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira, while Chelsea are yet to announce any new arrivals.
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