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Leeds owner confirms Tottenham and Arsenal tried to sign Raphinha this summer
Andrea Radrizzani has confirmed that both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur tried to sign Raphinha from Leeds United this summer.
The Brazilian was arguably Leeds’ best player in each of his two seasons at Elland Road. He was absolutely incredible for them, and it was expected even before the end of last campaign that he would move on.
Raphinha was a wanted man, with as many as four different clubs fighting for his signature.
Barcelona, who eventually signed him for £55 million (), were after him for months, but London trio Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all made approaches to get him as well, claims Radrizzani.
Leeds owner Radrizzani confirms Tottenham and Arsenal tried to sign Raphinha
Radrizzani sat down for an interview with this week, and he shed light on a lot of things. The one that caught our eye were his comments on Raphinha.
The Leeds owner said: “We had interest from Arsenal, from Tottenham and from Chelsea and from Barcelona. The best deal we agreed was with Chelsea. At the end, the deal which came up with Barcelona was pretty much the same, the way we structured it at the very end. But it took time.
“For me, in this moment, we cannot be at this level [of Barcelona and Manchester City]. It would be wrong to put the players in a cage when they have that talent.
“Raphinha is a special player. Honestly, I think with a good World Cup he can become one of the top 20 players in the world. Why keep him in a cage?”
TBR View:
The three London clubs tried really hard to get Raphinha over the line – especially Arsenal and Chelsea. The Blues even had an agreement in place with Leeds to sign him, but that move didn’t materialise.
Raphinha had made up his mind that he wanted to go to Barcelona. He just didn’t want to join another club, and thankfully for him, he got his dream move in the end.
Tottenham have signed Richarlison, which means they don’t need another winger anymore. Arsenal and Chelsea, on the other hand, are still on the market for a new wide player.
Sadly for them, it will not be Raphinha.
