According to reports, Arsenal have ‘bid’ for Brazil winger Raphinha but their opening offer was ‘well below’ Leeds United’s valuation.
Leeds United spent around £17m to sign Raphinha from Rennes in 2020 ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Brazil international was one of the Premier League’s breakout stars in 2020/21, as he grabbed six goals and nine assists in the league.
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The player’s form dipped at times last season but he was still key as Leeds United secured their Premier League safety. He was involved in 14 goals in 35 appearances.
FC Barcelona have been heavily linked with him in recent months but it is understood that they are unable to meet Leeds United’s asking price.
The Athletic are now reporting that Arsenal ‘made contact’ with Leeds on Tuesday over the signing.
They add that a ‘bid followed’ on Tuesday evening. This is said to have ‘fell way below’ Leeds United’s asking price. Arsenal’s offer is ‘expected to be rejected out of hand’.
The report goes onto state that Barcelona or Chelsea would be his ‘preferred destination’.
Arsenal are Raphinha’s third choice but they are ‘firm admirers’ of the 25-year-old. It is thought that he would cost around £50m.
Elsewhere, Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torreira is reportedly ‘continuing to offer himself’ to Serie A outfit Lazio ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
The 26-year-old signed for Arsenal in 2018 after he performed well at the 2018 World Cup. They spent around £26m to bring him in from Sampdoria.
Torreira was a key player initially but he fell down the pecking order following Mikel Arteta’s appointment.
The Uraguay international has spent the past two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina. The latter had the opportunity to sign him permanently for €15m this summer.
This deal has now fallen through. Fiorentina attempted to low-ball Arsenal with an offer of €7m.
Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness) are now reporting that Torreira ‘continues to offer himself’ to Fiorentina’s rivals, Lazio. Their club director (Igli Tare) ‘now listens to the player’s request’.
It is said that this transfer is now an ‘opportunity’ even with it not being the initial plan for Torreira. The midfielder’s contract is set to expire in 2023.
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