Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur join Raphinha race?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 14 June 2022

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly join Arsenal and Barcelona in the race for Leeds United attacker Raphinha, whose proposed move to Camp Nou has been plunged into doubt.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly joined the race to sign in-demand Leeds United attacker Raphinha this summer.

The Brazil international is widely expected to leave Elland Road after helping Jesse Marsch's side secure Premier League survival by the skin of their teeth last season.

Raphinha's contract with the Whites is up in 2024, but the club are still expected to demand a hefty fee for his services, with interested parties thought to have been quoted at least £50m.

Barcelona are thought to be at the head of the queue for the 25-year-old and supposedly had a five-year contract agreed with the player, but doubts have emerged over the Blaugrana's ability to complete a summer deal given their financial woes.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the ex-Rennes man, but The Athletic now reports that Tottenham could rival their North London counterparts for his signature.

Leeds United's Raphinha pictured on November 30, 2021 © Reuters

The report adds that Raphinha has not directly approached Leeds to request a move away, but the club have accepted that the Brazilian wants to fulfil his European ambitions.

As a result, Leeds will not stand in Raphinha's way if a suitable offer is tabled, and the Whites have conceded that he will not be signing a new deal as initially anticipated.

Chelsea are also said to be keeping an eye on developments surrounding Raphinha's future, but the Blues are prioritising a move for Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele.

Raphinha has amassed 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 outings for Leeds since arriving in the summer of 2020, including 11 goals and three assists in 35 Premier League games last season.

Tottenham have already welcomed Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic to the club on free transfers, and a wave of new incomings are expected in the coming weeks.

Yves Bissouma in action for Brighton & Hove Albion in April 2022 © Reuters

Spurs have allegedly agreed deals to sign Middlesbrough's Djed Spence and Brighton & Hove Albion's Yves Bissouma, with both transfers potentially costing them as much as £45m combined.

A move for Everton striker Richarlison has also been mooted, and the Champions League contenders will reportedly not sign both the Everton man and Raphinha this summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal confirmed their first arrival of the summer on Monday, with 19-year-old Brazilian attacker Marquinhos joining the club from Sao Paulo for a £3m fee.

USA goalkeeper Matt Turner will also arrive from the New England Revolution ahead of the 2022-23 season, while William Saliba has confirmed that he will stay and look to prove himself to Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners are also continuing their pursuits of Youri Tielemans and Gabriel Jesus, while a new five-year deal for Eddie Nketiah is expected to be officially announced soon.