Reports from reputable outlet Goal claim – via their Brazilian outlet – that Leeds star Raphinha could be about to join Arsenal this week and a move is close. So, could Leeds request a player-plus-cash deal?
A move to Barcelona looks off the cards. Barca are unable to afford him and Raphinha has seemingly moved on. Arsenal are ready to sign him, and a deal could be announced as early as this week for the Brazilian.
Will Arsenal stump up the asking price? Goal say Leeds want £50million. But might a player-plus-cash deal suit both sides? Here are three possible swaps Leeds could request from Arsenal in a deal for Raphinha:
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
England international Maitland-Niles has returned to Arsenal after a loan at Roma. Reports claim that a fee of just £8million would be required to sign the 24-year-old, who has a contract until 2023.
So, a move is likely for Maitland-Niles. His versatility suits Leeds. Left-back, right-back, midfield. A player with 191 club appearances. Leeds were linked with the Arsenal man last summer, during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, as per the Mail.
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Nuno Tavares
Leeds need a left-back. Having now landed an attacking midfielder, a holding midfielder and a right-back – the priorities now must be a left-back and a striker. Stuart Dallas is sidelined until the new year.
Junior Firpo is first choice – but there are obvious question marks regarding the ex-Barcelona man. Again, reports state Tavares could leave after just one season with Atalanta keen. Perhaps, £40million plus Tavares would suit Leeds.
Emile Smith-Rowe (loan)
Bit of a left-field one, and there have been arguments – once again – at LUN Towers. But with Arsenal signing Fabio Vieira, a no.10, and then potentially Raphinha – where does that leave Smith-Rowe?
Already overtaken by Gabriel Martinelli on the left, and Martin Odegaard as a 10, could he look for a loan this summer? The Express say he is ‘at risk’. A loan might actually help Arsenal, but also reduce a few quid off the Raphinha fee.
Aside from three possible swaps Leeds could request from Arsenal in a deal for Raphinha, here is Jordan Harris predicting the first six Premier League fixtures…