Arsenal have entered the race to snap up Leeds winger Raphinha, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari.
The Italian reporter claims that, while Chelsea and Barcelona are leading the battle for the 25-year-old’s signature, the Gunners are also “interested” in the player:
#Raphinha update: Chelsea lead Barca in summer race for Leeds ace 🇧🇷
-Raphinha has TWO release clauses in contract #LUFC #CFC #FCB
Full story ⬇️ @Transfersdotcom https://t.co/ogMEG1jgYq
— Gianluigi Longari (@Glongari) February 22, 2022
Raphinha is believed to have two separate release clauses in his contract. He can currently be signed for €75m (£63m) but, if Leeds are relegated this season, that would drop to just €25m (£21m).
Considering that Raphinha favours playing on the right-wing, it would be a surprise if Arsenal were actively pursuing the Brazilian international considering he would be competing with Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe.
However, the Gunners were heavily linked with Juventus’s Dejan Kulusevski in the January transfer window before he joined Tottenham, and there is a belief that the club would be prepared to let Pepe go.
Considering Raphinha’s quality and the existence of the low release clause, he will be interesting a whole host of other teams too. Both West Ham and Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential suitors in recent months.
